Date of Award
6-2024
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Melinda Delbridge MS, OTR/L, CBIS
Second Advisor
Adam Story OTD, OTR/L, PT, DPT, MTC
Abstract
Low vision and dementia are highly common among older adults. Individuals with these conditions often experience decreased ability to perform daily tasks safely and independently due to the functional implications of visual and cognitive decline. This leads not only to decreased participation in meaningful activities but also to an increased dependence on a caregiver. Over time, these caregivers can experience a perceived strain, or caregiver burden, that affects not only their own health but also the health of the individual they are caring for. Occupational therapists can provide skilled services to address the needs of older adults with low vision and dementia and their caregivers. For this capstone project, a 7-week program for caregivers of older adults with low vision and dementia was developed to promote decreased caregiver burden and increased participation in meaningful activities. The program was designed in two phases. The first phase consisted of three caregiver education sessions outside of the home. The second phase consisted of four in-home sessions with both the caregiver and the individual they cared for. Data was collected using a pre- and post-test mixed methods design, with the caregiver providing all responses. The pre-survey data revealed the presence of a caregiver burden and decreased participation in meaningful activities within both the quantitative and qualitative data. The post-survey data revealed a reduced level of caregiver burden, improved activity engagement both among the caregiver and their loved one, and improved knowledge and utilization of caregiver resources. Occupational therapy services focused on caregiver education and engagement in meaningful activities can help promote positive outcomes for older adults with low vision and dementia and their caregivers.
Recommended Citation
Bradner, Anna, "Low Vision and Dementia" (2024). OT Student Capstones. 80.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/ot-capstones/80