Purpose: To explore family care partners’ (FCPs) common support needs, preferences, and caregiving priorities for persons with delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) to inform intervention development.
Method: A descriptive qualitative study was performed, using semi-structured interviews with 12 FCPs from an assisted living community and integrated memory care clinic.
Results: Findings reveal the importance of structured education, proactive caregiving strategies, and empathetic communication in improving care outcomes for individuals with DSD. FCPs emphasized the need for health care providers to prioritize their care recipients’ baseline and preferences and provide mental health support for caregivers.
Conclusion: The study highlights the significant role FCPs play in DSD care and the urgent need for interventions that address their educational and emotional needs to improve patient and caregiver well-being.
