Effects of 'Happy Plus Program' for Family Caregivers of Patients with Demenia on Sleep, Depression, Burden, and Quality of Life of Caregivers

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to verify how a program for family caregivers can affect the negative effects of loss of sleep, depression, burden of caring and poor quality of life in people who care for a family member suffering from dementia. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study using a single-group pre-test-post-test design. This study was conducted between March 28, and May 30, 2013 in A city. The program was provided for 9 weeks. Eleven caregivers with a family member suffering from dementia participated in this study. RESULTS: The second hypothesis on lowering the depression index (Z=-2.93, p=.003) and fourth hypothesis on improving quality of life (Z=2.02, p=.044) were supported. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that the program for family caregivers is effective in lowering the depression index and improving quality of life of people who care for a family member who is a patient with dementia. More programs for caregivers are needed and should be developed and provided for family caregivers in the near future.