TeleCARE: A telehealth group to teach dementia caregivers how to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms
Steven Shirk, Lauren R. Moo, Jaye E. McLaren, Kendra Pugh, Andrew H. Nguyen, Maureen K. O'Connor- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Neurology (clinical)
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Health Policy
- Epidemiology
Abstract
Background
Negative outcomes associated with caring for a loved one with ADRD include increases in caregiver depression, anxiety, and burden often due to managing neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). CARE is an in‐person, group‐based behavioral intervention that teaches caregivers specific skills to manage the NPS that are common in ADRD. Prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic, we were funded to adapt the CARE program to a virtual format (TeleCARE) in order to improve access to specialized services for caregivers with barriers to in‐person care. The impact of COVID‐19 further underscored the importance of telehealth interventions for caregivers.
Method
Twenty caregivers participated in TeleCARE using the Cisco Webex platform. Caregivers were predominately female (80%), spouses (80%), ranging in age from 35‐88 (M = 70.8). The CDR‐Sum of Boxes was administered to measure dementia severity of the care recipients with a mean of 11.1 (moderate dementia). Data were collected at baseline and immediately following completion of the 8‐week group intervention.
Result
Eighty‐five percent of caregivers had a better understanding of NPS, and 90% of caregivers felt TeleCARE helped them take better care of the person with dementia and improved their ability to manage caregiving. Caregivers reported reduced depression and anxiety following the intervention (BDI: M = 9.6 vs M = 7.8; BAI: M = 8.7 vs. M = 6.8). They also reported increases in Positive Aspects of Caregiving (M = 33.2 vs. M = 35.3) and Meaning and Purpose in Life (M = 53.7 vs. M = 55.3). They reported little reduction in distress related specifically to NPS (M = 20.3 vs. M = 19.7).
Conclusion
The TeleCARE adaptation was successful, with caregivers reporting improvements in understanding of NPS, caregiver depression and anxiety, ability to care for their loved one, and management of caregiving tasks. Even with the return to in‐person care options after the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the nature of dementia caregiving often does not allow caregivers to easily leave home to join in‐person programs. Geographical distance, time, and money spent finding care for loved ones can be barriers to participation. Our results suggest TeleCARE may serve as an effective option to increase access to group caregiver education and support.