1. Tele-Savvy: An Online Program for Dementia Caregivers
- Author
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Melinda Higgins, Kenneth Hepburn, Ashley H Langston, Mariya Kovaleva, and Patricia C. Griffiths
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_treatment ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Nursing ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Adaptation, Psychological ,medicine ,Psychoeducation ,Humans ,Dementia ,Health Education ,Aged ,Deme ,Internet ,030214 geriatrics ,General Neuroscience ,Tele health ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Telemedicine ,United States ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Clinical Psychology ,Caregivers ,Female ,Health education ,Geriatrics and Gerontology ,Psychology ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Program Evaluation - Abstract
Introduction: This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an online version of the Savvy Caregiver Program, a psychoeducation program for caregivers caring for a person with dementia. Methods: A convenience sample of 22 caregivers from the Atlanta VA and 42 caregivers from 14 different states enrolled in Tele-Savvy. Pre- and post-program evaluations assessed caregiver burden, caregiver competency, and frequency of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Results: Fifty-seven caregivers completed the 6-week Tele-Savvy program. Caregivers whose care recipients exhibited higher average BPSD frequency at baseline demonstrated significantly greater burden decreases post-program. Caregivers of care recipients in more advanced dementia stages demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in caregiver competence. Discussion: The results point to the feasibility of achieving significant results in caregivers’ well-being and care recipients’ BPSD with a fully online program. Tele-Savvy may be particularly efficacious for caregivers whose care recipients exhibit higher BPSD frequency and are in later dementia stages.
- Published
- 2018
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