Demonstrating the Efficacy of Unidos en el Cuidado: A Spanish-Language Program for Latino Dementia Caregivers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating Unidos en el Cuidado® (United in Caring), a culturally adapted, three-session group program designed to support Spanish-speaking family caregivers of people living with dementia in California. This study aims to test whether Unidos improves caregiver depression, anxiety, and reactions to memory and behavior problems, while also exploring how factors like age, gender, and education might affect results. Additionally, focus groups will gather participant feedback on program satisfaction and cultural relevance. The program consists of weekly 1.5 to 2-hour skill-building classes delivered online or in community settings by trained facilitators. These sessions include caregiver role identity, skill building, knowledge sharing, practice through role-plays, homework, videos, and handouts. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive the classes immediately or after a 3 to 4 week waitlist period. Both groups will be observed at four time points: before, shortly after, and at 3 and 6 months following the intervention. Participants will complete assessments measuring depression, anxiety, and responses to dementia-related behaviors, as well as caregiver mastery, competence, and meaning at each observation point. The study includes focus group interviews with a subset of participants to understand their experience. The entire participation spans about 6 months, during which caregivers engage in classes, assessments, and feedback sessions to help evaluate the program’s impact and acceptability.

Demonstrating the Efficacy of a Spanish-Language Program for Latino Dementia Caregivers