The Effects of Dementia Education Program on Certified Geriatric Caregivers in a Nursing Home

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to evaluate the long-term effects of a dementia education program for certified geriatric caregivers (CGCs) caring for elders with dementia in a nursing home. Methods: The research design wasone group pretest-posttest design and included 29 CGCs who completed the pre-test, dementia education program, andpost-test (immediately after, 1monthafter, and3 monthsafter thecompletion of theprogram). The education program was conducted for 3 weeks, and effects of the program were evaluated using measures of knowledgeof dementia, care of elders withdementia, work stress, and work satisfaction. Results:Althoughthere was no significant change in the knowledge of dementia, it was significantly improved immediately after the program (Z=-2.03, p=.042). There was a significant change in the care of elders with dementia by the CGCs (x 2 =13.37, p=.004), but no significant changes in work stress or work satisfaction. Conclusion: The findings indicatethat dementia educationprogramiseffective inimprovingknowledgeof dementiaandcare of elders with dementia by CGCs. The results also provide valuable basic data for developing effective dementia education programs for CGCs in nursing homes, but further research is needed using a high quality education programs and research methodology.