Experiential Learning and the Impact of Dementia on Individuals, Family Systems, and Communities: A Case Example
In dementia-affected families, informal
caregivers provide invaluable support through diverse, time intensive
means (i.e., companionship, medical care, household tasks,
transportation). While informal caregivers reduce the use of nursing
homes and may improve the quality of life for recipients of care,
informal caregivers are also at increased risk for adverse outcomes
(i.e. stress, strain, isolation). A newly-designed, innovative dementia
caregiving service-learning course for graduate-level students at the
University of Georgia School of Social Work addresses the impact of
dementia on individuals, family systems, and communities, with an
emphasis on community-based engagement to reduce caregiver burden and to
educate students. A description of the pilot dementia-caregiving course
structure will be provided, followed by a personal student account. A
total of 12, 90-minute student visits were completed, with six occurring
after the course officially ended. Meaningful activities were tailored
to the interests and strengths of the recipient of care, and each visit
allowed for caregiver respite. Utilizing a socioecological approach,
students engaged in psychosocial interventions in dementia caregiving
based on experiential assessments of home environment, functional
abilities, social engagement, and access to community resources.
To learn more about Ms. Tachman, visit her LinkedIn profile.
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