A SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING (SDL) SYSTEM FOR CHINESE DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

Ethnic Chinese dementia caregivers experience significant burden and reduced quality of life, and are not likely to seek skills training due to cultural barriers. To overcome barriers to help seeking, an online self-directed learning (SDL) intervention program to provide both caregiving and self-care skills was developed. The computer software to implement the SDL program has an “engagement design,” relying on theories of: adult education/andragogy; behavioral economics; digital technology; cultural adaptation; and evidence-based dementia care skills. The program, in Chinese language, uses brief videos, quizzes, progress tracking, and text message reminders to ensure continual and effective learning. Together with the educational website ( www.loveandhelp.com ) that provides knowledge information and an online community for increasing socio-emotional support for caregivers, the SDL program is part of the overall strategy of using health information technologies to enhance the overall caregiving capacity for dementia care.