Authors (including presenting author) :
WONG CL (1), LAU CC(1), KAM KW (2), WONG YMP(2), AU YEUNG TL (2), LAU OY(2), LY YF(3), CHAN WS(4),CHEUNG IRENE (5), YIM KW(6), LOK YW (7) , CHAO MC (8)
Affiliation :
(1) M&G, TMH/POH/TSWH
(2) PRC, TMH/POH/TSWH
(3) Dept of PT, TSWH
(4) Dept of OAP, CPH
(5) Dept of Pharmacy, POH
(6) Dept of Dietetics & NFSC, TSWH
(7) Dept of ST, TSWH
(8) Dept of OT, TSWH
Introduction :
A study has estimated that among persons aged 60 and above, over 333 000 persons or 11% would be suffering from dementia in 2039. The burden of informal caregivers of patients with dementia is a growing crisis. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionally affected patients with dementia and their caregivers. In this regards, NTWC worked collaboratively with Community Partners (Government Department, NGOs, Universities, Patient Group, etc.) to launch a patient journey based event named World Alzheimer’s Month: Together We Can Overcome Adversities for enhancing support to target patients.
Objectives :
The project targeted caregivers, staff from HA/NGOs and volunteers involved in providing care or support to patients with dementia. It aimed to increase public awareness about dementia and the circumstances of dementia caregivers as well as strengthen the self-care capacity of caregivers through:
1) Organizing 24 patient journey based online workshops in the following 5 aspects.
a.Knowledge
b.Caring Skills
c.Technology
d.Community Resources
e.Advanced Care Planning
2)Collaborating with 35 NGOs for publishing 4 community resources booklets annually
Methodology :
1. Planning and Preparation Stage
a.Invited guest speakers to prepare for online workshops, event recruitment/promotion and publication.
b.Educated caregivers on using online conference software.
2. Implementation Stage
a.24 patient journey based online workshops were organized for supporting caregivers to take care of patients with Dementia.
b.Community resources booklets were compiled and shared with participants for providing sustainable support to patients and their caregivers.
3. Evaluation Stage
a.Through collecting satisfaction survey and feedback from participants.
Result & Outcome :
The event served 7675 participants (Patients: 8%, Caregivers:55%, Staff: 27%, Volunteers: 10%). All respondents viewed that online workshops and community resources booklets were very useful and informative. Most staff from HA and NGOs reflected that the event was very success to bridge community resources on supporting caregivers on solving their caring problems. Participants were looking forward to have similar event annually.
