Development and Verification of a Literacy and Culturally Appropriate Home Safety Booklet for Caregivers of Persons with Memory Loss

Abstract

Problem: Persons with memory loss cared for at home encounter safety hazards which can cause injury and hospitalization. We used findings from the Veterans Home Safety Study, literature review, clinical expertise, and caregiver feedback to identify over 30 recommendations to help caregivers make the home safe for persons with memory loss. Booklet development: We developed a literacy and culturally appropriate booklet to educate care givers about safety measures to protect the person with memory loss. We used the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) criteria to develop the booklet. SAM criteria include guidelines for literacy demand, content, layout, graphics and cultural appropriateness. Learner Verification: After a draft was prepared and printed, we conducted focus group type and individual discussions with caregivers who were likely users of the booklet (N=15). Two groups (n = 9) included Caucasian family caregivers from a VA GRECC in New England. Another group (n = 4) consisted of African American caregivers from a Midwest University setting. One individual verification interview was conducted at each site (n=2). We asked caregivers to read the booklet and answer questions about its attractiveness, persuasion, cultural acceptability, their comprehension of the booklet, and self-efficacy for carrying out the actions. We entered respondent data on a grid to organize and review responses and made recommended changes. Conclusions and Implications: The booklet is literacy and culturally appropriate for caregivers of persons with memory loss. We will disseminate the final booklet to caregivers in the New England and Michigan areas.