ACTS2 Project: African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support
The ACTS2 Project meets the needs of distressed African American caregivers of older adults with dementia. Research has found that many African American caregivers do not access social service programs due to lack of cultural responsiveness and provider representation. In addition, financial challenges and limited transportation options to get to appointments prevent caregivers from accessing help. To overcome these barriers, the ACTS2 Project provides free, telephone and web-based services delivered by trained health workers from the African American faith community.
ACTS2’s program of services includes: (1) group skills building and support, (2) problem-solving consultations, (3) information and referral to dementia care resources, and (4) dementia awareness training through social media and in-person presentations.
ACTS 2 has successfully trained 23 African-American faith community workers to deliver group skills-building and support sessions (a 12-part series ranging from relaxation training integrated with prayer and meditation to problem-solving through goal setting). Group participants reported:
- significant improvement in health and emotional well-being
- significant improvement in self-identified caregiving and self-care problems
- strong bonds between caregivers and community workers who offer ongoing support
- very positive perceptions of the usefulness of the program
Outreach efforts to raise awareness about dementia through social media and community-based presentations reach over 4,000 Floridians annually. Over 170 caregivers and other stakeholders receive individual problem-solving and information and referral services on a monthly basis.
The ACTS2 Project needs your help to ensure the sustainability of this program and to consolidate expansion of services to South Florida. Please support ACTS2’s mission to meet the needs of underserved African American caregivers of older adults with dementia.