Caregiver-Assisted Pain Coping Skills Training Program for Older Adults with Mild to Moderate Dementia and Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a caregiver-assisted pain coping skills training program designed for older adults with mild to moderate dementia who experience pain and live at home with a family caregiver. This pilot study aims to improve how patients manage pain by involving caregivers in the training process, which may help address challenges dementia patients face in learning and using pain coping skills. The program also seeks to support caregivers by helping them better understand patient pain and manage their own stress related to caregiving. The study involves patient-caregiver pairs who will participate in five sessions, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes, delivered over 6 to 8 weeks via videoconference with a trained therapist. These sessions focus on teaching caregivers how to assess patient pain, including recognizing nonverbal pain signs, coach patients in using coping skills during difficult activities, and encourage regular practice of these skills at home. The therapist also supports improving positive interactions and engagement in meaningful activities between patients and caregivers. Participants will be assessed before and after the intervention using various questionnaires and scales to measure satisfaction, quality of life, pain levels, caregiver confidence in pain management, and caregiver burden. Data collection includes both patient and caregiver evaluations, with the primary outcome being client satisfaction approximately 8 weeks post-intervention. The total study duration spans the intervention period, with ongoing monitoring of outcomes related to pain and caregiving stress.

Pain With Dementia