Personalized Program Improves Dementia Caregivers' Quality of Life

Ivanhoe Newswire
Tuesday, November 21, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Some personalized support may change the lives of dementia caregivers for the better.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded a new study called Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health II (REACH II). It finds getting caregivers tailored intervention can make a positive difference in their lives.

"This important research demonstrated that the intervention can readily benefit the diverse communities of caretakers who provide care to individuals with Alzheimer's disease," says National Institute of Nursing Research director Dr. Patricia A. Grady. "It also underscores the substantial cost that caregivers face -- financially, physically, spiritually and emotionally."

REACH II researchers looked at 642 caregivers of dementia patients -- 200 each of Hispanics, whites, and African Americans. Participants in the intervention group had trained staff visit them at home nine times, talk with them on the phone for three half-hour calls, and give them five structured phone support sessions. The program included role playing, skills training, stress-management techniques, and telephone support groups. Participants in the control group got a packet of education materials on dementia and two brief "check-in" phone calls.

After six months, the overall quality of life significantly improved for Hispanic and white caregivers in the intervention group. African American caregivers in the intervention group also significantly improved if they were spouses, but not as much if they were not spouse caregivers. The report also found the rate of clinical depression was much lower among caregivers in the intervention group after the program.

Caregivers in the intervention group said the program helped them feel more confident and better able to care for the dementia patients, made life easier for them, improved the patient's life, and helped them keep the patient at home.

Those in the control group said they also benefited. This suggests even minimal support and attention can help caregivers.

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SOURCE: National Institute on Aging press release, Nov. 20, 2006