SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVING FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA FROM CULTURAL AND LIFE-COURSE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Abstract Providing person-centered and culturally sensitive support for persons with dementia and their family caregivers is critically important. This symposium focuses on understanding and supporting decision-making and family caregiving through a lens of a life course perspective. The first study explored Black and White family caregivers’ experience of adjusting to their new role as caregivers of persons with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic added to the complexity of their challenges and demonstrated the need for person-centered support. The second study provided insights into Chinese American family caregivers’ attitudes toward and the preference of shared family decision-making on tube feeding for their family members with dementia. Almost all the participants considered pain and discomfort relief as a priority in decision making. The third study synthesized the literature on decision aid interventions for family caregivers of older adults with advanced dementia regarding tube feeding. The study found that culturally sensitive and family-centered decision aid interventions are needed to support the decision-making of tube feeding. The fourth study used data from two national databases and identified positive aspects of caregiving. It highlighted the significance of tailoring support for family caregivers based on their caregiving responsibilities and care recipients’ cognitive status to enhance the positive aspects of caregiving. The last scoping review identified and synthesized existing technology-based interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers. The results suggested that technology-based interventions could reduce feelings of loneliness and improve caregiver well-being.