Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (Oct 2022)

Living With Dementia: Care Partner Needs and Outcomes of a Dementia Support Program in Primary Care

  • Hannah Schara MD,
  • Thomas Johnson MD,
  • Adreanne Brungardt MM, MT-BC,
  • Alexandra M. Marcus MA, LSW,
  • Jessica Cassidy LMSW,
  • Prajakta Shanbhag MPH,
  • Evan Plys PhD,
  • Hillary D. Lum MD, PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214221129466
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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To address the need for collaborative approaches to managing dementia in primary care, we implemented the Living with Dementia (LWD) program in a geriatric primary care clinic. This study evaluated the impact of short (≤6 months) and longer-term (7+ months) participation in LWD on care partner outcomes (i.e., self-efficacy, depression, and burden) using t -tests and examined dementia support topics discussed with care partners through the intervention using deductive content analysis. Across 20 months analyzed, 57 dyads participated in the LWD program. Short and longer-term LWD participation indicated a significant increase in self-efficacy with small effect sizes; no changes were observed in depression or burden. Dementia support topics most frequently discussed with care partners focused on care partner well-being, behavior management, and offering referrals. This early evaluation suggests a collaborative care program integrated into primary care can address needs related to caring for persons with dementia and may improve care partner self-efficacy.