A COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER–LED HOME VISIT INTERVENTION TO SUPPORT DIVERSE DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Diverse family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) are often faced with challenges in obtaining necessary resources due to limited English-proficiency, accessing available resources, and stigma. Diverse community health workers (CHWs) provided dementia family caregivers culturally and linguistically appropriate education, compassionate listening during a 3-month home-visit intervention. 25 participants were recruited from communities in California: Race/Ethnicity 32% Korean, 32% Vietnamese, 16% Latino, 20% White; 76% Female; 44% Spouse; Age=62.6 (28-83 years); 44% work; English proficiency=2.9 of 5. Recruitment is ongoing. The key themes from the exit interview with participants included (a) accepting the role of a caregiver, (b) better understanding and patience with the PWD, and (c) ongoing support from CHW. The overall satisfaction on the intervention was 4.7/5. The CHW-led home-visit intervention was well-received by ethnically diverse dementia family caregivers. Participants reported the usefulness of education, community resources, and compassionate support delivered in their homes over 3 months.