The value of telephone support groups among ethnically diverse caregivers of persons with dementia

Abstract

Purpose: Dementia caregiving is a rapidly growing public health problem. Logistical problems prevent many caregivers from utilizing available interventions. This article provides a demonstration of the usefulness of technology for conducting telephone-based support groups in ethnically diverse dementia caregivers. Design and Methods: Participants were 41 White American and Cuban American dementia caregivers participating at the Miami site of the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (known as REACH) program. Support groups were conducted over the telephone in English and Spanish as appropriate. Results: Eighty-one percent of the participants found the group "valuable," largely because of the social and emotional support and useful information obtained from other group members. The majority of caregivers also reported that their participation had increased their knowledge and skills as caregivers. Implications: The findings demonstrate that telecommunications technology can overcome the often formidable logistical problems faced by both English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers, and it can provide benefits similar to those obtained in face-to-face support groups. Copyright 2006 by The Gerontological Society of America.