Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of support groups on caregivers of patients with dementia.
Design: This was a longitudinal design. Each potential subject was randomly assigned to a professionally lead support group or a control group. A total of 72 individuals were recruited for this study. Subjects were evaluated in 3 waves of data collection: before intervention, after intervention, and one-month follow-up.
Materials and Methods: The support group effects were measured using positive changes in the subjects' perceived levels of burden, depression status, and satisfaction about their participation in the program. Professionally led support group had a close and time-limited format. For each group, 8 weekly short-term sessions of 1.5 hours per session were scheduled. A leader and a co-leader participated in each group. The leader relied heavily on supportive interventions, such as encouraging ventilation of stressful experiences, validation and confirmation of similar caregiving experiences, affirmation of members' ability to cope, praise for providing care, support, and understanding for those struggling with difficult situations. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and GEE (Generalized Estimating Equation) for longitudinal data analysis.
Results: The GEE revealed that the differences in a caregiver's level of burden and depression status did exist between the support and control groups in the post-test and 1-month follow-up. The differences highlighted the fact that participation in support groups provides more effective assistance to caregivers. Caregivers also reported satisfaction with support group experiences.
Conclusion: It is hoped that the results from this study will be meaningful for researchers investigating caregivers of dementia, clinicians that provide services, and policymakers that propose beneficial legislation.
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