DEMENTIA CARES - A TRAINING SERIES TO IMPROVE CAREGIVER ACCESS TO RESOURCES, EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

Sep 29, 2026

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Dementia CARES targets dementia caregivers at the critical entry point to caregiving when information, emotional and psychological support, and future role planning are needed. The six-session series teaches social support and new skills across living with dementia, behavioral changes, building local networks, communication with the person and care team, resources including evidence-based programs and clinical trials, and self-nurturing practices. Delivered as six weekly one-hour virtual group sessions, it uses discussion, sharing, and problem-solving to strengthen caregiver confidence. Preliminary outcomes show high recommendation intent and strong perceived value of peer learning and strategy exchange.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Session topics

Living with dementia and behavioral changes

Building a local support network

Improving communication with the care team

Exploring resources and clinical trials

Practicing self-nurturing activities

Delivery and outcomes

182 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.605 DEMENTIA CARES: A TRAINING SERIES TO IMPROVE CAREGIVER ACCESS TO RESOURCES, EDUCATION AND SUPPORT Sara Murphy1, Jane Oderberg1, Jennifer Severance2, and Janice Knebl1, 1. University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States, 2. University of North Texas Health Science Center-Fort Worth, TX, Fort Worth, Texas, United States The entry point into dementia caregiving is a critical time in which a caregiver needs information, emotional and psychological support, and assistance in planning for their future role. The Dementia CARES series introduces dementia caregivers to strategies and topics to promote social support and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. Session topics include 1) living with dementia; 2) behavioral changes; 3) strategies to form a local support network; 4) improving communication with the person living with dementia and their care team; 5) exploring resources, including evidence-based programs and clinical trials; and 6) practicing self-nurturing activities. Each session involves group discussion to learn about a dementia topic followed by sharing and problem-solving activities to practice new concepts, self-evaluation, and peer support to build caregiver confidence (self-efficacy) in carrying out tasks and addressing challenges. Designed by a licensed Master’s degree-level social worker at a geriatric primary care clinic, Dementia CARES is delivered as six one-hour virtual weekly group sessions for six to ten dementia caregivers. Four virtual series of the six-session CARES program were conducted in December 2018 to July 2019. Thirty-nine dementia caregivers were recruited by the primary care clinic, with twenty-nine (74%) participants completing at least four sessions. Preliminary data from post-intervention survey responses (n = 29) show 96.5% would strongly recommend the training to a friend or relative. Participants valued the discussion with other caregivers, learning strategies and suggestions, and sharing their experiences. Findings underscore the value and feasibility of offering structured group education and support in primary care settings.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Dementia CARES training series?

Dementia CARES helps dementia caregivers access information, emotional and psychological support, and strategies for planning their future role while gaining new skills and knowledge.

What topics are covered across the six sessions?

Topics include living with dementia, behavioral changes, forming a local support network, improving communication with the person with dementia and the care team, exploring resources and clinical trials, and practicing self-nurturing activities.

How is the program delivered and what preliminary results were reported?

It is delivered as six weekly one-hour virtual group sessions using group discussion, sharing, and problem-solving activities. Preliminary post-intervention survey results indicated 96.5% of respondents would strongly recommend the training.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Hazel