Developing Dementia-Capable Community Health Worker Programs in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina - CareSouth Carolina, Inc. (CSC) is the only federally qualified health center (FQHC) in the nation that is also designated as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Over a three-year project period, in partnership with key stakeholders, CSC will leverage resources to develop and strengthen a dementia-capable workforce in Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro counties, South Carolina. Project Goal: To improve access to care, care coordination, and quality of life among people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (PwADRD) and their caregivers through development of a trained, person-centered workforce capable of increasing quality and quantity of dementia services through evidence-based practices in dementia care. Major Objectives: 1) Implementing the Care Ecosystem evidence-based intervention (EBI) through a team of trained CHWs, focused on early detection/engagement of approximately 400 PwADRD and their caregivers (200 dyads) annually. 2) Screening at least 85% of enrollees and caregivers for barriers to care using validated tools, documenting strategies to address. 3) Assess the fidelity, effectiveness, and impact of implementing Care Ecosystem, including quality of life for enrollees and caregivers. Anticipated Outcomes: increased identification of PwADRD; increased identification of distressing behavioral symptoms; increased identification of PwADRD and caregiver needs/barriers to care, with referrals documented; increased completion of PwADRD medication assessment; increased development of caregiver respite plans; increased CHW confidence in providing dementia care plans; improved access to care and caregiver quality of life; improved service engagement and quality of care. Expected Products: CHW training; EBI implementation protocols and resources for CHW, PwADRD, and caregivers, specific to the integrated FQHC/AAA setting; comprehensive third party evaluation with dissemination package.
