Evaluation of a Telephone-Based Support Group Intervention for Female Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Individuals With Dementia
- 1 December 2007
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®
- Vol. 21 (6), 391-397
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317506291371
Abstract
Family caregivers, the “second victims” or hidden patients in dementia care, are at risk for social isolation, stress, depression, and mortality. Telephone-based support (telesupport groups) represents a practical, low-burden, low-cost source of emotional support. The present study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of professionally led telephone-based support groups for female family caregivers of community-dwelling dementia patients. Recruited through various community sources, 103 female caregivers were randomized to the telesupport group treatment or a control condition. Effects on caregiver burden, depression, and personal gains were evaluated at 6 months, the main end point. Older care-givers (≥65) in telesupport reported lower depression than control group caregivers did.Keywords
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