Training community consultants to help family members improve dementia care: A randomized controlled trial

Citation Teri, L, McCurry, S.M., Logsdon, R. & Gibbons, L.E. (2005). Training community consultants to help family members improve dementia care: A randomized controlled trial. The Gerontologist, 45(6), 802-811.

Design Randomized controlled study

Participants The participants of the study were N= 95 family caregivers of care receivers with Alzheimer's disease.

Outcome / Dependent Variables The following scales were used to measure their respective independent variables: CES-D (depression), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (depression), Caregiver Sleep Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Screen for CG Burden, Short Sense of Competence Questionnaire (caregiver feelings of competence to care for a demented person), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (care receiver dementia-related behaviors), Revised Memory, Behavior Problem Checklist, and Quality of Life in Alzheimer's disease measure.

Procedure Consultants met with caregivers in the caregivers' homes for 8 weekly sessions, followed by four monthly phone calls. Consultants conducted training on approaches to behavior change.

Outcomes Caregivers receiving active treatment had significant reductions in self-reported depression, subjective burden, and reactivity to care receiver behavior problems on standardized measures. There were significant reductions in frequency and severity of care receiver behavior problems. Following treatment, caregivers rated their family member's quality of life more highly than did controls. Posttest improvements were maintained at 6-month follow-up.

Author Teri, L, McCurry, S.M., Logsdon, R. & Gibbons, L.E.