PSYCHOEDUCATION PROGRAMMING FOR THE NEW CAREGIVER - Mastering the First 100 Days - Prototype Testing Outcomes and Course Revisions

Sep 28, 2026

A dementia diagnosis creates an urgent need for caregivers to assume new responsibilities quickly, yet existing caregiver programs often target later disease stages. A two-year, two-phase project co-developed and prototype-tested an online psychoeducation “Caregiver Bootcamp” for people recently diagnosed with dementia, and revised the course before a Stage Ib single-group clinical trial. Twenty-two caregivers completed five sessions over six weeks and the curriculum addressed diagnosis impact, dementia basics, legal/financial steps, and support networks. Feedback guided shorter sessions, clearer theory delivery, added caregiver video narratives, increased interactivity, and expanded resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

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Caregiver Bootcamp purpose and gap in existing programs

Two-year two-phase development and prototype testing

Program structure: four core content areas

Participant profile and intervention delivery

Feedback-driven revisions before clinical trial

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1195 A dementia diagnosis marks a defining transition for individuals who must quickly assume the role of “caregiver.” While many programs exist for caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD), most are designed for those in the later stages of their conditions, when substantial cognitive losses have occurred and behavioral and psychological signs of dementia are manifesting themselves. This leaves a gap in support for caregivers atthe time of initial diagnosis. As part of this two-year, two-phase project, we engaged a diverse group of experienced family caregivers to co-develop and prototype-test the Caregiver Bootcamp program, Caregiver Bootcamp is a synchronous online, interactive psychoeducation program aimed at building caregiving competence and confidence (mastery) among caregivers for persons recently diagnosed with dementia. We report on prototype testing outcomes and subsequent course revisions prior to the Stage Ib single-group clinical trial of the finalized program. Twenty-two caregivers participated in five live or recorded two-hour sessions over six-weeks. The course covered four key areas: processing the diagnosis and its implications (including self-care), understanding the basics of dementia conditions, taking the first legal and financial logistical steps, and building a support network. Participants were predominantly Black or African American (60.9%), female (87%), and were currently caring for a parent (55.6%) . Based on feedback, program changes included shortening weekly sessions to 90 minutes, integrating video narratives from seasoned caregivers to illustrate real-world implementation of course recommendations, simplifying “academic presentation”of theoretical models, increasing interactivity, and expanding resource offerings to address various learning styles. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.4000 PSYCHOEDUCATION PROGRAMMING FOR THE NEW CAREGIVER: MASTERING THE FIRST 100 DAYS Carolyn Clevenger1, Karah Alexander1, Molly Perkins2, Fayron Epps3, and Kenneth Hepburn1, 1. Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 2. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 3. UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States

FAQs

Why was Caregiver Bootcamp created for newly diagnosed dementia?

Most existing caregiver programs focus on later dementia stages when cognitive and behavioral symptoms are prominent. The project addresses the early gap at the time of initial diagnosis by providing timely training.

What topics are covered in the Caregiver Bootcamp course?

The course covers processing the diagnosis and implications (including self-care), dementia basics, first legal and financial logistical steps, and building a support network.

What changes were made to the program after prototype testing?

Revisions included shortening sessions to 90 minutes, adding video narratives from experienced caregivers, simplifying theoretical presentations, increasing interactivity, and expanding resources to match different learning styles.

Sep 28, 2026

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