Pilot testing of the “First You Should Get Stronger” program among caregivers of older adults with dementia

Objective In this study, randomized controlled interventional study pattern was used to examine the effects of the “First You Should Get Stronger” program on the caregiving burden and healthy life style behavior of caregivers of dementia patients. Methods “Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale” and “Healthy Life Style Behavior Scale” were used. The study was completed with 40 caregivers in total with 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. A statistically significant difference was determined between the “Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale” and “Healthy Life Style Behavior Scale” score averages of the intervention group that participated in the “First You Should Get Stronger” program in comparison with those of the control group. Results It is important for the healths of caregivers to include similar programs for the caregivers of dementia patients in continuous and regular applications. Discussion The results highlight the importance of the “First You Should Get Stronger” program significantly decreased the caregiving burden and significantly developed the healthy lifestyle behaviors of caregivers in the intervention group. Since dementia is a difficult neurological syndrome with patients cared at home, it generally wears out the caregivers significantly. It is suggested that the nurses and healthcare professionals working with dementia patients are evaluated separately and that they carry out caregiving applications within the scope of the “First You Should Get Stronger” program.