Feasibility of the Savvy Caregiver program for care providers of LGBTQ adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundBy 2030, there will be nearly six million lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) older adults aged 50 and older in the U.S.; this number will more than double by 2050. Approximately 350,000 LGBTQ older adults in the U.S. currently have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), with projections nearing 1 million by 2030. LGBTQ older adults face distinct challenges impacting their ability to receive adequate and inclusive care, as well as services for informal caregivers due to living alone, the inability to rely on traditional family supports, higher risks for disability, and experiencing discrimination when seeking aging‐related social services.MethodsWe partnered with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Senior Services to evaluate the: 1) Adaptation of the Savvy Caregiver training program for care providers of LGBTQ older adults living with AD; and 2) Determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Savvy program. Data comes from caregivers (n=18) who completed the 6 session, 12‐hour training for Savvy.ResultsThe average age of care providers was 66 (range: 52‐82), and over half (56%) identified as a LGB and 6% as transgender. Overall, care providers were very satisfied with the overall program, strategies, information, and activities of the tailored Savvy Caregiver program. For instance, all participants (100%) reported being more knowledgeable of dementia care and that they would recommend the program to others. Nearly 90% of participants found the content to be relevant to their personal situation, reported gaining new skills, and felt that the class format/number of sessions was appropriate.DiscussionWe developed a community partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center on the needs of LGBTQ older adults living with ADRD and their care providers. This is the first known study regarding the adaptability and feasibility of the Savvy Caregiver program for care providers of LGBTQ older adults living with ADRD. There is need for additional research to promote culturally relevant aging services and behavioral interventions for care providers of LGBTQ older adults living with ADRD.