The Savvy Caregiver program: the demonstrated effectiveness of a transportable dementia caregiver psychoeducation program

J Gerontol Nurs. 2007 Mar;33(3):30-6. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20070301-06.

Abstract

This article is about the trial of a transportable psychoeducation program for family caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias that was based on a program developed and previously tested in an academic setting. Family caregivers were recruited by agencies in three states and invited to participate in a randomized trial of this six-session program. Questionnaires were administered prior to randomization and again 5 to 6 months later to assess program effect. A total of 52 caregivers completed both questionnaires (22 were in the wait-list control group). Experimental participants' scores on measures of mastery and distress were significantly better than control participants' scores at follow-up (Time 2 Results for this transported program showed benefits to caregivers com parable to those in the previous trials. The program demonstrated that it could be offered in a variety of settings and that it had benefit for caregivers.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Caregivers* / education
  • Caregivers* / psychology
  • Curriculum
  • Dementia / nursing*
  • Family* / psychology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Education / organization & administration
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Home Nursing / education*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Educational
  • Nursing Education Research
  • Program Evaluation
  • Self Efficacy
  • Self-Help Groups / organization & administration*
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States