This specific program is culturally appropriate and

respite services. This specific program is culturally appropriate and addresses issues that are
present among minorities. Research shows that caregivers have found community support
programs to be beneficial. Through engagement, the program has increased their ability to
provide care, increase caregiving self-efficacy, and find comfort in their own home (Bravo et al.,
2018). Even if Sophia does not choose to engage in a REACH community support group, it is
recommended that she participates in a support group within the community rather than
participating online. This will provide Sophia with the opportunity to communicate face to face
with others who share similar characteristics to her. Also, most people feel more comfortable
being in a setting that they are familiar with, such as a church, youth center, and community
center. Although internet based support groups maybe cost efficient, easier to access and provide
more privacy for individuals who engage, online support groups offer very little resources and
information and are primarily use for caregivers to network socially with other caregivers.
According to Friedman et al. (2018) caregivers responded negatively to spending more
than 20 minutes online. Individuals in metropolitan areas are likely to have greater access to in-
person services and thus less need for online groups. Individuals may also feel intimidated when
referred to an office or agency setting or may be unable to afford the services these agencies
offer. Since Sophia is the only one in her home that is bringing in income, she may not have any

10
additional money to spare to engage in therapy services. Even with health insurance in place, she
still may be required to pay a co-pay for each session, which could add to her financial strain.
Caregiver support groups can lead to caregivers managing stress, decreasing the risks of
developing diseases and illnesses. According to Damianakis, Marziali & Wilson (2018) “family
members deal with many stressors, with significant personal health impacts, including elevated
levels of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, poor physical function, depressed mood, and
anxiety”. Some factors that contribute to caregiver stress are socioeconomic status and lack of
caregiver resources. Damianakis et al. (2018) suggest that as the stress and burden of caring for
loved ones increases, caregivers attending to their health care needs decreases. This is why being
engaged in a caregiver support group is vital to ensure overall health of Sophia. Caregivers
report through group engagement, they have developed an understanding of the implications of
the diagnosis, identified personal motivations to care situations, received and accepted
caregiving support, and developed improving caring coping skills.