Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Heather Renter

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a loved one with dementia, valued at nearly $350 billion (Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, 2024). This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) aimed to implement an intergenerational program focused on improving dementia caregiver health by creating meaningful relationships of many generations of caregivers through the lens of an occupational therapy (OT) student. Intergenerational programs are defined as a way to facilitate relationships with different generations to enhance their everyday value in life. Occupational therapists work with all populations, exposing individuals with tools and strategies to live a meaningful and purposeful life. Results of this caregiver intergeneration program confirmed that an OT perspective can be beneficial in facilitating intergenerational relationships and providing useful strategies to caregivers to improve overall well-being. Little research has been conducted to prove the effectiveness of intergenerational programming specifically for caregivers. The positive feedback received and the success in caregiver connections from this project justifies the need for further programming within the caregiver community to increase caregiver health and support in their caregiving journey.

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