This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of using a variety of modalities to deliver caregiver support to a group of largely older, rural, spousal caregivers of veterans with dementia. The potential for reducing isolation for caregivers capable of receiving this intervention through the Internet is a promising finding.

Understanding the role of modern technology in providing adjunctive emotional support to caregivers has been a focus in contemporary caregiving research. However, it remains largely unknown (1) whether there are differences regarding the technologies used in caregiving support to achieve this objective and (2) which factors influence the outcome of emotional support. The current research describes a framework to address this issue and examines the role of different technologies in supporting caregiver emotional needs. Sixty older caregivers were recruited in the current study and randomly assigned to high and low technology guided caregiver support conditions. The findings revealed a significant impact in the high technology guided intervention for emotional support as measured by burden reduction. The discussion on the use of high technology guided support strategies for older caregiver training is offered with implications for future research and practice.

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Caregivers of persons with dementia experience higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and other mental health problems, as well as increased rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality compared to their non-caregiving peers. They also face significant challenges in accessing support from local, state, and VA resources. Several empirically supported treatments have been developed to assist these caregivers. However, accessing these interventions can be difficult given the extent and demand of their caregiving duties. To address this problem, the authors developed a psycho-educational caregiver intervention for use with in-home digital technology that is currently underway at three Veteran’s Health Affairs (VA) health care centers. The chapter provides: 1) a brief summary of the background and rationale for intervention development; 2) an overview of the project; and 3) the issues and lessons learned from developing interventions using digital technology for use with older adults.

VA offers multiple programs and services to support caregivers of US military Veterans. However, access for rural Veterans and caregivers is challenging due to distance from VA medical facilities. VA Video Connect (VVC) is a remote healthcare platform that enables Veterans to connect directly with VA clinicians through a secure, encrypted video connection. Rural caregivers and Veterans can participate in caregiver services through their own computer or another device from their home, reducing the need for travel to distant VA facilities. In 2018, VA’s Caregiver Support Program and Office of Rural Health developed an implementation pilot to engage eighteen VA Caregiver Support Coordinators (CSCs) in using VVC to monitor and support 180 Veteran/caregiver dyads enrolled in VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The presentation will provide an overview of each phase of implementation, report usability and outcome data from CSCs and caregivers, and discuss implications for broader implementation.