When an individual faces Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD), those who assume caregiver roles are also affected in the trajectory of providing care. Consequently, it is crucial to also consider the caregiver’s health and well-being as they may forgo their own health to maintain the health and well-being of their loved one with ADRD. Affected by higher levels of caregiver burden and lower general health as compared to non-Latino Alzheimer’s caregivers, Latinos are at larger disadvantage, particularly considering the already existing health disparities in the community. Based on a 2018 Alzheimer’s Association report, caregivers of persons with ADRD reported having an additional $11.4 billion in health care costs for themselves as a result of the physical and emotional burden of caregiving. Latino families will face an obvious increase in the number of ADRD family caregivers based on the prevalence and population data.
Caring of Caregivers Organically (CoCO) is a culturally responsive health education intervention that uses a peer education model in the Latino community that looks to address ADRD family caregivers’ higher levels of caregiver burden and lower general health. Through the use of the Promotoras de Salud model that the literature suggests has been effective with certain health conditions in the Latino community, this pilot-test study looks to test how feasible and accepted this intervention is, as well as explore if there is any impact on health behaviors, health-related self-efficacy, caregiver burden and deppressive symptoms.
Who qualifies to participate in the study:
Women that identify as Latina/Hispanic who care for a family member/loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and can attend meetings at Pilsen Senior Center, 2021 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60608.
Here are the brochures in English and Spanish:
For more information:
Judith S. Rocha, LCSW, 773-580-3302, jrocha2@uic.edu
Last Updated on April 28, 2020
