E-care: A telecommunications technology intervention for family caregivers of dementia patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a technology-based psychoeducational intervention for family caregivers of dementia patients. An additional objective was to determine if the intervention could be implemented by a community-based social service agency. METHODS:: Forty-six caregivers were randomly assigned to either a technology-based intervention or an information-only control condition. RESULTS:: Caregivers assigned to the intervention condition reported a significant decrease in burden postintervention and those who evidenced high depression at baseline experienced a significant decline in depression. CONCLUSION:: This study provides evidence that technology offers a cost-effective and practical method for delivering interventions to caregivers. © 2007 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.