Applying a strength-based intervention for dyads with mild to moderate memory loss: Two case examples

Abstract

Managing and coping with the symptoms of dementia and memory loss is associated with negative psychosocial outcomes for both persons with dementia and their family caregivers. Research has indicated beneficial results in using dementia-management interventions to impact positively on mental health outcomes for caregivers and address cognitive and functional issues for persons with dementia. However, most intervention programmes to date have primarily worked with each care partner separately, rather than implementing a single intervention protocol that targets both members of the caregiving dyad. This article provides a description of a newly designed intervention that includes both care partners. Using a Strength-Based Approach, the dyadic intervention identifies and builds upon both care partners' current abilities to address their specific care needs. Two case examples are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of using a Strength-Based Approach. The discussion highlights the extent to which core intervention skills can be tailored to fit a range of care needs.

Does a ‘Singing Together Group’ improve the quality of life of people with a dementia and their carers? A pilot evaluation study

“…It may be that greater changes would be seen with this intervention with carers who were reporting poorer mood and less sense of wellbeing. In a future larger-scale study, it would be useful to examine how the constructs of carer burden (Serrano-Aguilar, Lopez-Bastida, & Yanes-Lopez, 2006; Volicer, 2005; Zarit, Reever, & Bach-Peterson, 1980) and resiliency (Gaugler, Kane, & Newcomer, 2007) respond to a singing group intervention as well as looking at changes in wellbeing. As is apparent in positive psychology literature, a reduction in negative mood or experiences may not be the same as an increase in wellbeing or happiness.…”

The effectiveness of dyadic interventions for people with dementia and their caregivers

“…Most studies identified the person who provided intervention (i.e. a social worker, licensed clinician, neuropsychologist, or trained counselor) with the exception of one case study (Yarry, Judge, & Orsulic-Jeras, 2010). Only two studies tested the immediate effects of intervention, at two weeks following intervention (Schmitter-Edgecombe et al, 2008) and at four weeks following intervention (Roberts & Silverio, 2009).…”

“…Two studies examined the acceptability/feasibility of intervention, so these studies did not assess participants at baseline or follow-up (Judge, Yarry, & Orsulic-Jeras, 2009;Whitlatch et al, 2006). One study (Yarry et al, 2010) was a qualitative study, which did not use quantitative measurement.…”

Interventions to optimise transitional care coordination for older people living with dementia and concomitant multimorbidity and their caregivers: A systematic review

“…Another important consideration moving forward is the importance of assessing and re-evaluating the stage of dementia at the conclusion of the study (Yarry et al, 2010). Assessing for cognitive and functional decline throughout the follow-up period can give reasons why interventions did not match hypotheses and provide a more comprehensive reflection of treatment effect.…”