THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM PLUS: A PROMISING LAY PROVIDER MODEL FOR ADRD FAMILY CAREGIVING

Abstract Considerable disparities exist in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD) older African American (AA) populations compared to white populations. Given need for caregiver interventions family caregivers from racial ethnic minority groups that hold potential translation, implementation, sustainability their communities, peer-led, lay provider models may offer promise. We developed Senior Companion Program Plus (SCP Plus), a peer-led psychoeducational program AA (CGs) provided by Companions (SCs). Guided sociocultural stress coping model, study was randomized controlled trial assessed effects SCP on ADRD caregivers’ burden, skills, social support. Although COVID-19 ended early, participants included Companion-Caregiver dyads (N=20). Friedman tests non-normally distributed variables, one-way repeated measures ANOVA normally post hoc between group significance were conducted. CGs reported significantly decreased caregiving burden (F(2,6) = 17.65, p 0.003) especially pre- follow up-tests, as well increased at post-test 4.93, 0.05), satisfaction with support (χ2(2) 6.53, 0.04), positive aspect 0.04) (especially post-tests up-tests). Implications future research are offered lessons learned culturally congruent, caregivers.