215 Including dementia simulation in caregiver education enhances knowledge, confidence, empathy and caregiving approach

Abstract Background An estimated 64,000 people currently live with dementia in Ireland, with this number expected to rise to 150,000 by 2045. For every one person with dementia, there are approximately three others providing support and care. Caregivers can often undergo a decline in physical and mental health and experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. Caregiver education and support can help to mitigate these challenges. Lecture based programmes on their own have a limited effect on understanding the lived experience of the person with dementia, whereas including simulation based empathy building elements can lead to better quality outcomes for caregivers and the person with dementia. A multi-component education programme for family caregivers incorporating dementia simulation, was devised and implemented over 7 weeks. Topics included dementia awareness, delirium, communication, non-cognitive symptoms, self-care, and accessing practical community supports. Methods A survey measuring Person-reported outcomes (PROMS) and Person-reported experience (PREMS) was conducted with 14 caregivers attending two pilot groups. Results 100% of participants felt that the group enhanced their knowledge of dementia and increased their confidence in supporting their loved one as dementia progresses and in relation to non- cognitive symptoms. 100% of the participants found that peer support was extremely beneficial. They also felt that the group was welcoming and felt comfortable sharing in the group. All participants indicated that dementia simulation helped increase understanding of what it is like to have dementia, often reframing their relationship with their loved one. Conclusion The benefits of peer supports and dementia awareness education for caregivers are well documented and this survey supports these assumptions. However, for caregivers the addition of dementia simulation scenarios and role play enhanced their understanding of the lived experience of people with dementia, building empathy and confidence in their role, decreasing stress and leading to changes in caregiving approach.