‘Tausi Feagaiga (Covenant Keeper): Impacting Health Care in an Island Nation

Abstract

The Tausi Feagaiga (Covenant Keeper) project was a partnership between community organization Pacific Youth and Community Development, faith-based organization Roman Catholic Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago, and higher learning institute University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Over the course of 5 years from 2016 - 2020, 125 caregivers were trained in family caregiving. Fa a Samoa, or the Samoan way supports traditional values of tausi matua encouraging caring for your elders. Training was conducted through an intensive workshop followed by practicum at Hope House, Catholic Diocese home for the aged. Confidence in caregiving increased following the training and feedback was extremely positive. Competence in geriatric syndromes was improved after attending the workshop (p<0.0001). Technical assistance was provided to create jobs for newly trained caregivers and sustainability through reimbursement from government health insurance Medicaid. Hope House received the designation of Medicaid Assisted Living Facility provider. Tausi Feagaiga transformed the lives of the residents of Hope House and elders in the community.