Abstract
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Family carers of people with Lewy body dementia (LBD) often experience poor mental and physical health, reduced quality of life and high levels of strain/ stress. Psychoeducational or psychotherapeutic group interventions can enhance understanding and reduce social isolation but rarely address specific symptoms of LBD. The Lewy body dementia Admiral Nurse service (dementia specialist nurse model) offers support via telephone or online video calls. In 2022 the service developed on online psychosocial group programme for family carers aimed at supporting understanding of LBD, coping strategies, addressing emotional impact of caring and planning for the future. The programme has been offered to a total of 24 carers – 4 separate groups (average of 6 participants per group). Feedback was gathered via an anonymised survey and wellbeing measured using Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale pre and post group programme. Survey feedback has indicated a positive difference to understanding of the condition, increased confidence in coping, development of new skills and feeling supported / connected with others across all respondents. Wellbeing scores improved overall on average, by approximately 5 points (43.09– 48.45). The paired t-test analysis concluded there was a statistically significant increase in wellbeing scores (t(21) = -5.364, p=0.002) |
Comments
great work . It works for…
great work . It works for other dementia as well and could be broadened