2.2. Intervention
Alzheimer’s DiseaseManaging, dementia, ADRD
MAY, LITTLE
The SCP Plus included a 12 h, in-person training with the senior companions only in the intervention group. In the informed consent form approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the senior companion–participants were notified that they would be randomly assigned to either control group or intervention group. By signing the informed consent, they confirmed their understanding that they would receive the training only if they were assigned to the intervention group.The training was conducted in a group format over the course of two days at each participating site. Three trainings were conducted (Dallas, TX, USA—May 2019; Little Rock, AR, USA—September 2019; Baton Rouge, LA, USA—January 2020). Two researchers lead the training, which features several types of teaching strategies, including rapport building through informal conversations at breakfast and lunch, the use of a written manual, time for questions, and both didactic and hands-on participation (e.g., role play). Nine topics are covered over the course of the two-day training [The Contents of Senior Companion Plus (SCP Plus) (adapted from Morano & King, 2010 [Myths and Facts about Alzheimer’s DiseaseManaging Home Care and Home SafetyManagement of Problematic BehaviorsCommunicating with Healthcare ProfessionalsCommunity-based Services and SupportsCommunication Skills with Persons with ADRD and Family MembersCoping Skills for the Emotional Consequences Associated with CaregivingCoping with Expectation and Finding Meaning and Purpose in CaregivingSummary of Modules 1–8The SCP Plus intervention also include a weekly, 60-min psychoeducational module that is delivered face-to-face to ADRD caregivers by senior companions across 9 weeks and focuses on education about ADRD, behavior management, communication skills, and aspects of providing care that enhance meaning such as spirituality. Following completion of these sessions, we anticipated that participants would acquire knowledge and skills related to ADRD caregiving through psychoeducational modules that address the myths and facts about dementia, management of problematic behaviors of persons with dementia, development of communication skills with health professionals, information about community-based services, and positive coping strategies such as the use of spirituality. By acquiring knowledge and skills, the intervention was expected to positively influence the coping style and social support of the participants leading to improvements in ADRD caregiver well-being.