Support Programs for Strengthening Health Promotion Behaviors Among Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
摘要
Family caregivers of people with dementia, often called the “invisible second patients,” face prolonged caregiving responsibilities and significant physical and mental health challenges. Compared to other caregivers, those caring for people with dementia (PwD) encounter unique difficulties and are at a higher risk for adverse health outcomes, including depression, stress, and increased mortality. Therefore, providing support programs to promote their healthy behaviors is crucial. Such programs benefit both caregivers and their loved ones with dementia while also reducing burdens on healthcare systems. These support programs can involve single or multiple interventions and may be designed for individuals or groups. Common types of programs include: (1) Physical Health Programs: These aim to promote exercise, nutrition, diet, and regular health checks for caregivers. (2) Mental Health and Emotional Support Programs: These focus on stress management, resilience training, counseling, and psychological support. (3) Social Support Programs: These aim to build supportive networks and communities for caregivers. (4) Educational Programs: Delivered online, in-person, or through hybrid methods, these equip caregivers with essential knowledge about dementia care and managing their own health. (5) Technology-Based Support Programs: Telehealth services, featuring virtual consultations and remote instructions, help caregivers navigate their caregiving journey. (6) Respite and Relief Programs: These provide temporary placements for PwD, giving caregivers extended breaks. To optimize the effectiveness of support programs for caregivers of PwD, integrating multiple types of the above programs is highly recommended. Comprehensive care programs that combine various interventions have been implemented in numerous national-level support projects. This chapter presents an overview of these support programs and highlights notable projects associated with each.