My Faith Gives Me Strength: Black Churches Supporting Dementia Care Partners

Abstract

Abstract Inequities in dementia care require an in depth understanding of dementia care partner life experiences, care needs, sources of support and ways to improve those experiences at the community level. In partnership with Black Churches in Baltimore, MD and rural Pennsylvania, we facilitated three focus groups (n=30) with Black dementia care partners to understand: 1) unique dementia care-related needs and challenges, and 2) how the church can be a supportive care partner. Participants noted three overarching themes related to challenges and needs: 1) unique challenges in caregiving - assuming various roles to provide comprehensive care, working within policies of support services, environmental challenges (neighborhood safety), and family conflicts; 2) lack of dementia education and educational materials; and 3) unmet needs of the care recipient – lack of dementia friendly neighborhoods, lack of meaningful activities, and undiagnosed dementia. Regarding the supportive role of the church, the theme of perceived role of the church included providing emotional and social support for care partners and recipients, reducing burden through providing respite, support groups, networking/ connections to resources, and promoting health events.