Reducing caregiver burden: A randomized psychoeducational intervention for caregivers of persons with dementiaCitation Ostwald, S., Hepburn, K., Caron, W., Burns, T. & Mantell, R. (1999). Reducing caregiver burden: A randomized psychoeducational intervention for caregivers of persons with dementia. The Gerontologist, 39(3),299-309. Design Randomized controlled trial Participants The participants of this study were N= 94 primary caregivers of persons with dementia Outcome / Dependent Variables The following scale were used to measure their respective dependent variables: Revised Caregiver Burden Scale, CES-D (depression), Revised Memory / Behavior Problem Checklist, and MMSE (to assess care receiver's cognitive ability).
Procedure The intervention group received the Minnesota Family Workshop: 7 weekly 2-hr multimedia sessions that included education, family support and skills training for caregivers and family. The intervention group was compared to the 5-month wait-list control group.
Outcomes Data showed: Significant changes in caregiver ratings of their reactions post intervention to care receiver disruptive behaviors and significant difference in caregiver burden between intervention and control group (not apparent until 5-month follow-up).
Author Ostwald, S., Hepburn, K., Caron, W., Burns, T. & Mantell, R. | 
