Mindfulness-based care for dementia

บทคัดย่อ

Objective To train medical staff and develop a mindfulness- based care for dementia care taker (MBCD)

Materials and methods This research composed of 2 steps. First, medical staff were enhanced mindfulness capacity in daily life and trained to be therapists for MBCD. Second MBCD was developed in June 2013 to be the intervention program. Subjects were care takers of dementia patients attended Srithanya and Suanprung hospitals between June to September 2013. Control cases were specific selected. Instruments were the sati assessment scale, the spiritual wellbeing and a burden of care. The differences of mean scores of these scale prior to the study and 4 weeks after the program between 2 groups were analyzed. Satisfaction and benefit of the program were assessed by interview.

Results There were 16 staff completed training to be therapists by observing, practicing and discussion. The MBCD composed five 90-minute-sessions and a half day which held within 2 weeks. There were 10 trainee staff to run the intervention. There were 5 close groups consisting 17 cases in the study group and 15 cases in the control group. The differences of mean scores of sati, spiritual well being and burden of care were not significant between 2 groups. From interview, care takers revealed highly satisfied with the program and its benefit in daily life.

Conclusion There were 16 staff completed the training course and 10 were able to run the course and applied the MBCD. The MBCD was consisted of five 90-minute-sessions and a half day. Care takers were highly satisfied with the program. Scores of burden of care tended to decrease, however, long term study should be continued.