ABSTRACT
Globally the number of people living with Dementia (PLWD) is estimated to be 55.2 million. In Singapore, 1 in 10 people >60 live with Dementia (1). PLWD require full time care which are rendered by their family members. Caregivers are often called the second patient and they live with a lot of mental and physical strain (2). Psychological support reduces caregiver burden but having support from peers who have similar experience may be more beneficial.
AIM:
The authors explored the impact of a Memory Café in an acute hospital setting for caregivers of people with dementia.
METHODS:
Both a qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect feedback from caregivers who attended the monthly peer support meetings at Memory Café.
RESULTS:
More than one third (36.3%) reported being moderately stressed, feeling alone and helpless in caring for their love once with dementia. Majority reported the peer support group were helpful (76.5%), enjoyable (82.4%), thus wanted more of such sessions (76.5%) and are willing to meet up again with other caregivers to share ideas and strategies to manage dementia related problems (58.8%). Caregivers reported being comfortable sharing their experiences and >80% would recommend the sessions to other caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS:
Memory Café provided a good platform for caregivers to get to know other peers, shared their experiences and enable to support each other on their caregiving journey with their love ones living with dementia.