Implementation of a mindfulness based dementia-care program within a healthcare system [abstract] Abstract uri icon
Overview
abstract
  • The stress associated with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can negatively affect mental and physical health. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), teaching caregivers to focus on the present moment with non-judgmental awareness, has been shown to improve overall mental health, reduce perceived stress, and decrease depression. At HealthPartners, we implemented the Mindfulness Based Dementia-Care (MBDC) program, an 8-week program designed for family caregivers for those living with dementia. MBDC combines teaching of MBSR skills along with essential education for this chronic disease. Participants attend a 1-hour orientation session, 2-hour classes each week for 8 weeks, at-home practice between classes, and a 6-hour Saturday retreat. Secure electronic surveys are administered at baseline, program completion and follow-up for evaluation of the program. We will discuss barriers and learnings of implementation as well as preliminary results from the evaluation.

  • Link to Article
    publication date
  • 2019
  • published in
    Research
    keywords
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Caregivers
  • Mental Health
  • Stress
  • Additional Document Info
    volume
  • 3
  • issue
  • Suppl 1