Caring of Caregivers Organically (CoCO): Health Education for Latina Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers

Latinos have a 50% greater chance of having Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD) as compared to their non-Latino White counterparts. Higher levels of caregiver burden, depression and lower general health as compared to non-Latino Alzheimer’s caregivers affect those who assume the caregiving. Two-thirds of ADRD caregivers are women thus it is crucial to identify practices that address the health and well-being of Latinas specifically. A qualitative study was conducted to assess and adapt an intervention that has rendered promising outcomes for a different group of Latina caregivers, Latina mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who share some similar physical and mental health outcomes. Five focus groups were conducted with Latina ADRD family caregivers and other stakeholders that included service providers and content area experts to identify what aspects of the existing intervention were relatable and adaptable. Based on Knight and Sayegh’s (2010) revised sociocultural stress and coping model, the caregiver experiences relating to cultural values and caregiver burden were also considered for this adaptation as the model suggests these are factors that inform coping styles and social supports, which ultimately define the caregiver’s health. Through the use of thematic analysis, some of the findings included the need for information about ADRD and the trajectory of care, interest in an accompaniment model versus the Promotora de Salud model that the original intervention uses, and more discussion on the family dynamics that may evolve while care is being provided. An 8-week health education intervention for Latina ADRD family caregivers was developed that was informed by the focus group findings and existing literature. Implications for future research, practice and policy are offered.