Programs for Spanish-speaking, LGBTQ and veteran caregivers are limited. That’s why one Valley nonprofit is creating content specifically for these individuals.
Caring for a person living with dementia takes an emotional toll. It’s why Duet created its Finding Meaning and Hope program. In it, participants discuss topics like resiliency and complex grief.
Justin McBride is a program manager for the Meaning and Hope Institute at Duet. He says they’re now tailoring the program to Spanish-speakers, LGBTQ people and veterans.
"Connecting with people who you identify with is really important, because there's specific challenges or specific pieces of your experience that other caregivers may not understand," he said.
Spanish-speakers, for example, may struggle with cultural expectations.
"Some caregivers may not even use the word caregiver," explained McBride. "In Spanish, we found that the word caregiver didn't even really exist."
So creating spaces where caregivers can connect with those they identify with is important when coping with an ongoing loss like dementia, said McBride.
"We want to reach all family caregivers who are caring for individuals with dementia," he noted. "We also recognize that there are specific groups that are more vulnerable, whether that's because they have a harder time accessing certain resources if, because of their community or their language."
Finding Meaning and Hope is a 10-week program based on the work of Dr. Pauline Boss, author of Loving Someone Who Has Dementia.
