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Surviving and Thriving: Qualitative Results from a Multi-Year, Multidimensional Intervention to Promote Well-Being among Caregivers of Adults with Dementia

Author

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  • Meara H. Faw

    (Department of Communication Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • India Luxton

    (Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Jennifer E. Cross

    (Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Deana Davalos

    (Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

Abstract

(1) Introduction: Caring for an adult with dementia is both challenging and rewarding. Research indicates that community-based, social support, and/or arts engagement interventions can play a key role in ameliorating the negative outcomes associated with caregiving while enhancing its more positive attributes. This study explores the psychosocial outcomes experienced by dementia caregivers who participated in a multi-year, multidimensional intervention aimed at promoting caregiver and care recipient well-being. This intervention included bringing caregivers and people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) to local symphony performances, hosting a social reception prior to the performance, and assessing the outcomes of participation for both caregiver and the care recipient. (2) Materials, Methods, and Analysis: Qualitative data from participant phone interviews ( n = 55) as well as focus groups are analyzed using thematic analysis from a phenomenological perspective. (3) Results: Across three years of participation, caregivers reported three main program benefits: relationship building (both with other participants as well as within the broader community); restored humanity (experiencing a greater sense of personal dignity and momentary return to normalcy), and positivity (experiencing positive emotions during the program). (4) Discussion: These findings point to the value of creating caregiver programming that brings together multiple dimensions of successful interventions in order to enhance caregiver experiences and positive intervention outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Meara H. Faw & India Luxton & Jennifer E. Cross & Deana Davalos, 2021. "Surviving and Thriving: Qualitative Results from a Multi-Year, Multidimensional Intervention to Promote Well-Being among Caregivers of Adults with Dementia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4755-:d:546280
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Martin Pinquart & Silvia Sörensen, 2006. "Gender Differences in Caregiver Stressors, Social Resources, and Health: An Updated Meta-Analysis," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(1), pages 33-45.
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    1. Valentina Caiola & Elina Moreira Kares & Margherita Pillan & Davide Spallazzo & Aarni Tuomi, 2023. "Remote Cultural Events: Investigating the Usefulness of Live Streaming for Creating Cultural and Social Engagement in Communities of Older Adults," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, July.

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