THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM PLUS: A PROMISING LAY PROVIDER MODEL FOR ADRD FAMILY CAREGIVING

Abstract

Abstract Considerable disparities exist in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD) in older African American (AA) populations compared to older white populations. Given the need for caregiver interventions for family caregivers from racial and ethnic minority groups that hold potential for translation, implementation, and sustainability in their communities, peer-led, lay provider models may offer promise. We developed the Senior Companion Program Plus (SCP Plus), a peer-led psychoeducational program for AA family caregivers (CGs) provided by Senior Companions (SCs). Guided by sociocultural stress and coping model, the study was a randomized controlled trial that assessed the effects of SCP Plus on AA ADRD family caregivers’ stress and burden, coping skills, and social support. Although COVID-19 ended the trial early, study participants included Senior Companion-Caregiver dyads (N=20). Friedman tests for non-normally distributed variables, one-way repeated measures ANOVA for normally distributed variables, and post hoc between group significance tests were conducted. CGs in SCP Plus group reported significantly decreased caregiving burden (F(2,6) = 17.65, p = 0.003) especially between pre- and follow up-tests, as well as increased coping skills, especially at post-test (F(2,6) = 4.93, p = 0.05), satisfaction with social support (χ2(2) = 6.53, p = 0.04), and positive aspect of caregiving (χ2(2) = 6.53, p = 0.04) (especially between pre- and post-tests as well as between pre- and follow up-tests). Implications for future research are offered as well as lessons learned for culturally congruent, lay provider interventions for ADRD family caregivers.