Feasibility of a multidisciplinary caregiving training protocol for young caregivers in families with ALS.
Feasibility of a multidisciplinary caregiving training protocol for young caregivers in families with ALS. To assess the feasibility of a multidisciplinary young caregiver group training protocol for children and youth who provide care to a family member with ALS. Peer group experiential young caregiver model based on theories of self-management and self-efficacy. Training conducted by a multidisciplinary team of therapists in ALS (PT, OT, Speech and social work), as well as assistive device vendors. Demographic data, caregiving tasks and evaluations were collected. The model is feasible for both youth and therapists. Youth found benefit, skill acquisition, and mastery by asking questions, teaching back skills to the group and engaging with peers. This project demonstrates young caregivers will participate in training, and engage with "like" peer group. Future projects will focus on developing a structured survey and observation, testing efficacy in larger groups.