Program Evaluation of The Longest Loss: Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Grief associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia is unique. Although there are interventions and support systems available to caregivers to help mitigate the effects of caregiver burnout, there are few interventions that focus on dementia grief. When a person is first diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, the shock and devastation may make it more difficult to actively seek resources and support. Using an existing program created by the Hospice Foundation of America, the purpose of this project was to improve the level of comfort, knowledge, and skill of program volunteers of the Alzheimer's Association within the state of Utah. Through pre- and post-surveys, online discussions, and a segmented video program delivered virtually, the overall intent was to provide additional training and experience to regional managers, other chapter staff, and support group facilitators, to provide more information, experience, and tools to better understand the challenges facing caregivers and families of persons with dementia relating to grief.