“I Didn't Know I Needed to Be Still”: Experiences of Black Dementia Caregivers Attending Tailored Online Worship Services

Abstract

The current study aimed to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of culturally appropriate online worship services for Black dementia caregivers. Researchers met online with families six times over 8 weeks. Each meeting consisted of families viewing a short, uniquely tailored worship service. Preand post-surveys were conducted, and caregivers participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews to discuss their experiences with the online worship services. All caregivers ( N = 24) identified as Christian and African American. There was no significant mean difference between pre- and post-survey results, but there was a trend toward improving perception of caregiver role, caregiver burden, and dyadic relationship. Observations and interviews revealed two themes, Experiences and Feasibility of Engaging With Culturally Appropriate Online Worship Services . Although the preliminary efficacy of the online worship services remains to be investigated, our results suggest resources developed for caregivers of people living with dementia should be carefully tailored to ensure they are culturally appropriate and responsive. [ Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16 (6), 273–282.]