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Improved Strain and Psychosocial Outcomes for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia: Findings from Project ANSWERS

Authors

Judge, K. S., Yarry, S. J., Looman, W. J., Bass, D. M.

Journal

The Gerontologist, Volume: 53, No.: 2, Pages.: 280-292

Year of Publication

2013

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the efficacy of a newly developed intervention, Acquiring New Skills While Enhancing Remaining Strengths (ANSWERS), for family caregivers of individuals with dementia. ANSWERS was designed for dyads comprised of an individual with dementia and his/her family caregiver. Using a strength-based approach, ANSWERS combined educational skills (traditionally used with caregivers) and cognitive rehabilitation skills training (traditionally used with individuals with dementia) into a single protocol for addressing the dyad’s care issues and needs. Key domains addressed by the intervention included: education about dementia and memory loss; effective communication; managing memory; staying active; and recognizing emotions and behaviors. This analysis focused on outcomes for caregivers.; Design& Methods: The Stress Process Model guided the study’s hypotheses and design. Caregiving dyads were randomly assigned to the control or intervention conditions. Intervention dyads received 6-curriculum guided sessions with an intervention specialist. Data came from in-person baseline interviews with caregivers conducted prior to randomization and follow-up interviews conducted approximately 14.56 weekspost-baseline.; Results: Intervention caregivers, compared to controls, had decreased care-related strain as indicated by lower emotional health strain, dyadic relationship strain, role captivity, and higher caregiving mastery. Additionally, intervention caregivers had improved well-being as indicated by fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.; Implications: ANSWERS was efficacious in improving key strain and psychosocial outcomes for caregivers. Features essential to the success of ANSWERS included a strength-based approach for selecting, developing, and implementing care goals, as well as teaching caregivers educational and cognitive rehabilitation skills for addressing care needs.;

Bibtex Citation

@article{Judge_2012, doi = {10.1093/geront/gns076}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geront/gns076}, year = 2012, month = {aug}, publisher = {Oxford University Press ({OUP})}, volume = {53}, number = {2}, pages = {280--292}, author = {K. S. Judge and S. J. Yarry and W. J. Looman and D. M. Bass}, title = {Improved Strain and Psychosocial Outcomes for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia: Findings from Project {ANSWERS}}, journal = {The Gerontologist} }

Keywords

adaptation psychological, adult, aged, aged, 80 and over, caregivers, curriculum, dementia, education, female, health knowledge attitudes practice, humans, intervention studies, interviews as topic, male, middle aged, nursing, outcome and process assessment health care, pamphlets, patient education as topic, psychology, psychotherapy, quality of life, regression analysis, social support, socioeconomic factors, stress, psychological

Countries of Study

USA

Types of Dementia

Dementia (general / unspecified)

Types of Study

Randomised Controlled Trial

Type of Outcomes

Carer Burden (instruments measuring burden), Carers’ Mental Health

Settings

Community

Type of Interventions

Intervention for Carers

Carer Focussed Interventions

Training programmes / workshops including behavioural training