The Evaluation of the Pittsburgh Regional Dementia Caregiver Training and Employment Program

Introduction According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.7 million adults older than 65 currently have dementia (2023). Family members, friends, and trained healthcare professionals are tasked with caring for these individuals. However, the amount and type of training these caregivers receive is highly varied and often underwhelming. The Pittsburgh Regional Dementia Caregiver Training and Education Program seeks to educate informal and formal caregivers, future caregivers, and the public on dementia. A formal evaluation of this program was conducted to understand how this training helps individuals. Methods The training program consisted of three two-hour modules covering pathophysiology, types, and stages of dementia, and caregiving strategies in communication and interaction. The modules were conducted in lecture format with hands-on exercises and video vignettes. Informal and formal caregivers received all three modules while the intergenerational cohort received only the first module. Each module has a pre- and post-test created to assess participants knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction with the program. After the training program was complete, the surveys were uploaded and manually entered into Qualtrics. Qualtrics and Stata were used to analyze the results. A three-month follow-up interview was conducted with participants who showed interest in contact after the program to assess long-term effectiveness. Results A total of 183 participants completed the training program. In module 1 and 2, there was an increase in knowledge scores from pre-and post-test at or above 5%. The informal caregivers showed a larger increase in pre- to post-test scores in all modules compared to formal caregivers. Interviews with participants showed high satisfaction with the program and the ability to use the information after the program’s completion. The intergenerational cohort’s interest in becoming caregivers did not improve after their participation. Implications Education programs for dementia are in great need. Participants report a high satisfaction with these type of training programs. The Pittsburgh Regional Dementia Caregiver Training and Employment Program seemed better suited for informal caregivers who have not had any formal training in taking care of individuals with dementia. A tailored course designated for formal and informal caregivers may demonstrate a more significant effect on both cohorts.