Project Description
This project aims to explore and foster the creation and sustainability of the COPE Program for caregivers of individuals living with dementia at Oakwood Creative Care beyond the use of their grant. The COPE Program applies to persons living at home with any form of dementia who have a caregiver and are experiencing a decline in their quality of life (COPE, n.d.). The project will examine the sustainability of the COPE Program in-person sessions and via Telehealth performed by an occupational therapist (Monika Lukasiewicz, OTR/L, CLIPP) through its assessment approach, provision of education, and specific skills to help families navigate clinical symptoms of dementia (COPE, n.d.). The COPE Program is a useful approach to caring for patients with dementia for the following reasons: (1) in generating solutions and coping options to problems encountered by the patient: (2) in maintaining a sense of competence and learning emotional regulation skills: (3) By following an orderly approach to identifying and solving-problems: (4) to develop an understanding of the aspects of the condition and care needs for the care recipient, as well as for understanding personal emotions and needs as a caregiver (COPE, n.d.). Through education and program development, the student will develop strategies to enhance the delivery of the COPE Program for increased local sustainability. Occupational therapists are trained to look at individuals holistically and create solutions to increase functional independence, improve quality of life, and address psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia and caregiver distress (Fortinsky, et. al., 2016).
The primary aim of this doctoral project is to thoroughly investigate and promote the establishment and long-term viability of the COPE Program, tailored specifically for caregivers supporting individuals living with dementia at Oakwood Creative Care, surpassing the limitations of their grant. The COPE Program is designed to cater to individuals with any form of dementia who reside at home, accompanied by a caregiver, and are encountering a decline in their overall quality of life (COPE, n.d.).
To assess the sustainability of the COPE Program, the project will encompass both in-person sessions and Telehealth consultations facilitated by a highly experienced occupational therapist, Monika Lukasiewicz, OTR/L, CLIPP. The project will scrutinize the model's effectiveness through its comprehensive assessment methodology, provision of educational resources, and targeted skill-building to empower families in navigating the clinical symptoms associated with dementia (COPE, n.d.).
The COPE Program stands as an advantageous approach to dementia care for several reasons: firstly, it adeptly generates practical solutions and coping mechanisms to address challenges faced by patients. Secondly, it fosters a sense of competence and equips caregivers with emotional regulation skills. Thirdly, it follows a structured problem-solving approach, facilitating systematic identification and resolution of issues. Lastly, it facilitates a deeper understanding of the condition and care requirements of the care recipient while also acknowledging the caregiver's personal emotions and needs (COPE, n.d.).
The student will undertake extensive educational endeavors and program development to enrich the implementation of the COPE Program, thereby enhancing its local sustainability. Notably, occupational therapists, such as those involved in this study, possess specialized training in viewing individuals holistically and formulating tailored solutions to promote functional independence, enhance the overall quality of life, and address the psychological and behavioral manifestations of dementia and caregiver distress (Fortinsky et al., 2016).
In summary, this doctoral project seeks to advance the understanding and practical application of the COPE Program for dementia caregivers, fostering sustained positive outcomes and improved support for individuals with dementia and their families at Oakwood Creative Care.
The prevalence of dementia is expected to increase significantly, posing a substantial challenge for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, who are often family members. Dementia affects memory, cognitive abilities, and social functioning, leading to difficulties in everyday life for individuals with the condition. Caregivers of persons with dementia experience high levels of burden and distress, often leading to lifestyle disruptions, financial hardships, and adverse health outcomes. The COPE Program, an evidence-based intervention, has shown promise in reducing caregiver burden and improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in dementia care by focusing on enhancing functional independence, improving quality of life, and addressing psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia and caregiver distress. They can support caregivers by providing education, coping strategies, and environmental modifications to promote the well-being of both the caregiver and the person with dementia.
Mission Statement
To empower family caregivers with the use of the COPE Program, an evidenced-based program that helps supports caregivers by addressing unmet needs of families and providing skills education to better manage caring for their persons living with dementia.
Vision Statement
To apply the COPE Program to patients and their caregivers living with dementia to decrease caregiver burden and increase the physical, cognitive, and emotional quality of life by applying principles of problem-solving training to complications and stressors experienced by the caregiver to prove the efficacy and sustainability of the COPE Program.
Project Leader
Project Mentors
Project Outcomes
To foster a comprehensive understanding of dementia care, I engaged in advanced learning to optimize occupation-based strategies for effectively managing and supporting older adults experiencing cognitive decline.
To demonstrate an advanced level of educational proficiency, I designed and implemented innovative educational materials aimed at promoting the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the COPE (Care of Older Persons in the Environments) Program.
To demonstrate leadership and expertise in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy for the betterment of dementia care services for the older adult population in the state of Arizona. This was accomplished by creating and disseminating informative materials highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in effectively serving this vulnerable population.
Deliverable 1: Completion of CEU John’s Hopkins Dementia Course
Deliverable 2: Complete COPE Program Training and receive COPE Certification of Licensure
Deliverable 3: Create a sustainable CEU course for Oakwood Creative Care on The COPE Program and Dementia Care for the ArizOTA platform.
Deliverable 4: Create a letter for local state officials to advocate for the COPE Program in the state of Arizona and across disciplines.
Deliverable 5: Submitted to ArizOTA Conference: “Struggling to address dementia? Learn about three emerging evidence-based programs that can help.”
Future Directions
My primary objective is to perpetuate the advocacy of occupational therapy services specifically tailored for individuals afflicted with dementia and their devoted caregivers. Through my relentless efforts in advocating, motivating, and furnishing comprehensive resources generated during the course of my doctoral capstone experience, I am resolute in my commitment to fostering the implementation of exemplary practices for all patients and their caregivers undergoing dementia-related treatments. Moreover, I stand firm in the belief that through my proactive endeavors, I shall contribute to the enhancement of the overall quality of care delivered to this vulnerable population.
Occupational therapists who embrace the COPE program can expect to play a significant role in shaping the future of dementia care. Through their dedication to evidence-based practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy efforts, they can positively impact the lives of older adults with cognitive decline and their caregivers while advancing the field of occupational therapy in dementia care.
For any prospective communications or inquiries in the future, I am readily available and can be reached through the following contact information:
(p) 503-756-6137 (e) Shannonwar3@gmail.com
References
Care of Older Persons in their Environment (COPE). (n.d.). College of Nursing and Health Professions. https://drexel.edu/cnhp/research/centers/agewell/Research-Studies/COPE/#:%7E:text=COPE%20is%20designed%20for%20persons,payment%20model%20and%20family%20need.
Gitlin, L. N., & Piersol, C. V. (2014). A caregiver’s guide to dementia: Using activities and other strategies to prevent, reduce and manage behavioral symptoms. Camino Books, Inc.
Fortinsky, R. H., Gitlin, L. N., Pizzi, L. T., Piersol, C. V., Grady, J., Robison, J. T., & Molony, S. (2016). Translation of the care of persons with dementia in their environments (COPE) intervention in a publicly funded home care context: Rationale and research design. Contemporary clinical trials, 49, 155–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2016.07.006
Maclean, F., Warren, A., Hunter, E., & Westcott, L. (2023). Occupational therapy and dementia: Promoting inclusion, rights and opportunities for people living with dementia. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.