Prognostic Factors of Effectiveness of a Support Program for Caregivers of Dementia Patients

Abstract

In a randomized controlled study, positive effects were found of a support program for caregivers of dementia patients. The aim of this study is to identify in a secondary analysis the prognostic factors of success of the support program by comparing characteristics of patients and primary caregivers for whom the support program was effective with those for whom the program was not effective (n = 49 pairs of patients and caregivers). The theoretically based individualized support program which is presented in this article, was most effective with regard to primary caregivers' sense of competence for females sharing a household with the dementia patient. The program was most effective in reducing the number of patient admissions when patients did not receive support from a district nurse and the primary caregivers experienced less emotional support from the informal network. A proactive approach by offering this flexible support before caregivers ask for support may prolong the stage in which they feel able to care for patients at home. Offering this support to females, who usually are supposed to care for the patient without assistance, may be both effective and efficient.

Family Physician–Case Manager Collaboration and Needs of Patients With Dementia and Their Caregivers: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review

“…29 Moreover, they feel that their own opinion is not taken into account. 30 In line with the patient-centered care paradigm, 31,32 it is important to identify the needs felt by the patient and the caregiver [33][34][35] and to determine the extent to which CM interventions respond to their needs. 36 We conducted a systematic review to answer the following research question: Does the collaboration of family physicians with case managers respond to the needs of patients with dementia and their caregivers living in the community?…”

Personal disease management in dementia care

“…Multi-component programmes were also the most effective programmes for carers (Acton and Kang, 2001;Belmin, 2003;Brodaty et al, 2003), especially those allowing interventions to be chosen (Vernooij-Dassen et al, 2000). These efficacy studies have shown that they may reduce the carer's burden and depression, together with the patient's symptoms, while improving the caregiver's feelings of wellbeing, knowledge and competence.…”

Dementia: issues in early recognition and intervention in primary care

“…Although the evidence on interventions to support families is mixed, 34 the conclusion from major studies is that a combination of family meetings and peer support is effective in reducing care-giver strain and delaying institutionalization, [35][36][37] and that the best outcomes are achieved by multidimensional interventions individually tailored to carer needs. 38,39 Cognitive rehabilitation-using for example memory aids and training-has been applied with promising results in mild/moderate dementia. 40 There is evidence that cognitive stimulation improves cognitive function, 41 and reports of a randomized controlled trial indicate that memory rehabilitation adds to the efficacy of AChE inhibitors.…”