Regi Robnett and Nancy MacRae become certified REACH caregiver coaches
Regi H. Robnett Ph.D., OTR/L, and Nancy MacRae, M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, both faculty in the Department of Occupational Therapy, recently completed an educational program to become certified as RCI REACH Caregiver Coaches.
鈥淩esources for Enhancing Alzheimer鈥檚 Caregiver Health鈥 (REACH) is an evidence-based community program developed for caregivers for people who have Alzheimers. Originating at the Rosalyn Carter Institute in Georgia, REACH has been shown to reduce caregiver burden by 15%, improve caregiver self-reported health by 10% and reduce depressions scores by 16%.
The program is delivered on a one-to-one basis to caregivers in the home. It lasts for six months and involves twelve visits predominantly done in the home and occasionally over the phone. The visits help the caregiver deal with a variety of issues including disturbing behaviors of the care recipient and assistance with individual strategies for the caregiver to attain and maintain better health.
Maine is fortunate to have the ability to provide training and assistance to those caregivers who need help under the auspices of the Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging. Robnett and MacRae are among four participants who will be working with one caregiver over the next six months. They will use their occupational therapy practitioner skills as well as those taught in the educational session.