Abstract
This study aimed to test the feasibility of implementing a group songwriting program with family caregivers (FCGs) of people living with dementia. Fourteen FCGs consented to participate in either the songwriting group (n = 8) or control condition (n = 6). Participants completed baseline and 7-week measures of depression (PHQ-9), perceptions of their caregiving experience (PACQ), and perceptions of their relationship with the care recipient (QCPR). A six-session group songwriting program was implemented across two sites, focusing on participants co-creating a song about their caregiving experiences. Participation and retention rates were high suggesting the intervention was acceptable. An observed pre-post effect size for the PHQ-9 in the experimental group (d = 0.64) and control group (d = −0.33) suggests the measure is sensitive to change over a short period of time in this population and has the potential to detect significant change in a larger controlled trial. Qualitative analysis of focus group interviews suggested the songwriting process allowed participants to share their entire caregiver journey with others, differentiating the intervention from standard carer support groups. Participants described group songwriting as enabling them to find connections with other caregivers, create a group identity, and gain insight into their carer journey, subsequently leading to the development of inner strength and personal growth. Qualitative findings suggest coping may be a more relevant construct to measure than caregiver-patient relationship quality or caregivers' perception of caregiving.
Highlights
Caregivers of People With DementiaThe current global population of people with dementia (PWD) is 47.5 million and this figure is exponentially rising [1]
The exploratory pilot and feasibility study was designed as a simple pre-post test design, examining the uptake of group songwriting and testing the acceptability and appropriateness of the measures for Family caregivers (FCGs) of people living with dementia
A moderate effect size was observed for the pre-post scores on the PHQ-9 for the Experimental Group (d = 0.64; 95% CI = −0.40, 1.61) (Table 2)
Summary
Caregivers of People With DementiaThe current global population of people with dementia (PWD) is 47.5 million and this figure is exponentially rising [1]. Caregivers (FCGs) play a vital role in providing informal assistance with reports indicating that 81% of co-resident primary carers. Caregivers are most often the PWD’s spouse (42%) or adult child (44%), and figures suggest that men are almost twice as likely as women to exclusively rely on informal assistance and care [2]. Through taking on this role, FCGs ensure PWD remain at home for as long as possible. This directly benefits the PWD, but represents a significant economic contribution to society
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
