Supporting Caregivers: What Matters Most?

Did you know that caring for someone with dementia can be tough? But who's looking after the caregivers? A group of experts got together to figure out what's most important for them. They asked 40 people from different organizations who work with folks living with dementia and their caregivers. The twist? They focused on communities that often get overlooked. These experts used a special method called the Delphi process. It's like a game of telephone, but for ideas! They sent out surveys three times, asking for ideas, ratings, and priorities. The results were sorted into six big topics: helping caregivers, programs, money, info, coordinating care, and training workers. The process was powerful because it let everyone share their thoughts freely. No one knew who said what, so there were no power struggles. The surveys mixed up qualitative and quantitative stuff, and in the end, everyone agreed on what matters most. This method could be used again to make sure caregivers have a say in how services and policies are made. After all, their voices are important too!