Joel Anderson, a professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing, has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the RRF Foundation for Aging to develop a culturally adapted version of the Savvy Caregiver® program, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ caregivers of individuals living with dementia.
The project aims to address the significant physical and emotional challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ caregivers, who often experience higher levels of stress, depression, and caregiver strain because of minority stressors such as discrimination, stigma, and limited access to community resources. Recent studies indicate that nearly half of LGBTQIA+ caregivers provide care to someone with dementia, yet fewer than half access support services due to these barriers. Given existing interventions do not account for the particular needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ caregivers, there is a need for targeted interventions for these caregivers
The Savvy Caregiver® program, a nationally recognized evidence-based intervention, has been proven to reduce caregiver distress, burden, and depressive symptoms while improving confidence and caregiving skills. However, the program has not yet been culturally adapted to address the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ caregivers.
“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting individuals living with dementia, yet LGBTQIA+ caregivers frequently face challenges that go unrecognized in traditional caregiver support programs,” Anderson said. “This project is a step toward providing the tailored resources they need to navigate these challenges effectively and support their well-being.”
Upon completion, the intervention will be ready for larger-scale testing in a randomized controlled trial, with the potential to significantly alleviate stress and improve quality of life for LGBTQIA+ caregivers.
_____
CONTACT:
Kara Clark Cardwell (865-974-9498, [email protected])