iSupport for Dementia

Overview

iSupport is a skills and training programme for carers of people with dementia. Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia, a number that is projected to triple by 2050. Dementia causes significant psychological and emotional impact on families, especially carers of people with dementia. iSupport aims to prevent and/or decrease mental and physical health problems associated with caregiving and to improve the quality of life of those caring for people with dementia.

The iSupport manual includes five modules and accompanying exercises, namely: (i) introduction to dementia; (ii) being a caregiver; (iii) caring for me; (iv) providing everyday care; and (v) dealing with behaviour changes. The modules and exercises reflect those included in the online version of iSupport. The iSupport manual can be printed and used offline, allowing for a broad reach of the programme particularly in regions of the world with low internet bandwidth and/or connectivity.

iSupport is primarily a self-help tool for carers of people with dementia, including family members, relatives and friends. iSupport can be adapted to national or local contexts and needs. Once adapted, carers can choose to work through all modules and lessons consecutively, or select the lessons that are the most relevant to their everyday lives. All lessons consist of brief readings, descriptive examples and several exercises. Carers receive feedback as they work through each exercise.