The effectiveness of a telephone support program for caregivers of frail older adults

Citation Smith, T. & Toseland, R. (2006). The effectiveness of a telephone support program for caregivers of frail older adults. The Gerontologist, 46(5), 620-629.

Design Randomized controlled study

Participants The participants of this study were N=97 caregivers of frail older adults (36 spouses and 61 adult children)

Outcome / Dependent Variables The following scales were used to measure their respective caregiver dependent variables: Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, Zarit Burden Interview, CES-D Depression scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pressing Problems Index, and Community Services Inventory.

Procedure Telephone Support Group (TSG) offered 12 weekly 90-min group sessions including: emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies, education and support. The experimental group was compared to the control group which received usual service.

Outcomes For adult children caregivers, TSG was more effective than usual services in reducing burden, depression, social support and pressing problems, and increasing knowledge and use of community services. No significant differences were found for spouse caregivers.

Author Smith, T. & Toseland, R.