The primary objective of this project was to identify the needs of family caregivers and healthcare providers who care for persons with dementia. Participants included 128 self-selected caregivers, who completed a telephone or online survey, and 27 healthcare providers, who participated in a focus group and completed a survey. The hypothesis that primary care providers were more likely to diagnose Alzheimer's disease than a specialist was not supported.

• Caregivers reported their primary source of information about the disease was the doctor; however, the majority reported that they were not told about available resources.
• Healthcare providers identified time with patients and families, and awareness of community services as their main challenges.
• Policy implications include addressing these health literacy issues.

Recommendations proposed included:

• Increased awareness of the local Alzheimer's Associatio
• Promotion of training programs for the dementia care triad
• Utilization of technology for families and professionals to track the needs of persons with memory loss and their primary caregivers.

Dr. Christy Jensen, the author of this study, presented on the topic on the 2nd of December, Noon Eastern; discussion was moderated by Dr. E. Ayn Welleford.

For more detailed information, more video, and a slide presentation, please visit the Virginia Alzheimer's Commission's AlzPossible Initiative website by clicking here.

We often don’t understand the many aspects of informal caregiving, including the positive effects it has on the person needing care and the potentially negative consequences it can have for an informal caregiver.

Watch the video below to see what Dr. Christine Jensen, CEAGH Director of Community and Health Services Research, has to say on the subject.

Video courtesy of Terry Lee

Our next Caregiver Support program "Caring For You, Caring For Me" begins September 13th. Click here for more information.

Educational Courses for Retirees

CEAGH volunteers have partnered with the Christopher Wren Association to teach courses designed especially for people who are retired. The courses are held on the College of William and Mary campus.

Our most popular course is Mini Medical School, and we have also offered a course on Healthcare Reform.  

To learn more about the Christopher Wren Association or to register for an upcoming course, please visit their website here.

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