Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a family resilience enhancement program (FREP) based on a previously devised resilience model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation, and to validate its effects.

Methods: The FREP comprised 8 sessions using group education methods to enhance family hardiness, sense of coherence, problem-solving communication, crisis coping strategies, social support, and adaptation. Participants were family members of elderly with dementia who were recruited from two daycare centers. Each group had 20 participants.

Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in family hardiness, family sense of coherence, problem-solving communication, and family adaptation.

Conclusion: Given these results, we hope a more effective, integrated program enhancing the family resilience of elderly with dementia will be developed.