Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Intervention to Support Long-Distance Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia.

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q3 GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

Clinical Gerontologist Pub Date : 2025-02-11 DOI:10.1080/07317115.2025.2464869

Verena R Cimarolli, Richard E Chunga, Francesca Falzarano, Catherine Riffin, Nathan Tintle, Sara Czaja, Kathrin Boerner

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the implementation feasibility and to establish preliminary efficacy of LDCare - a remotely delivered, manualized, multi-component intervention developed to support long-distance family caregivers (LDCs) of older adults with dementia.

Methods: The study design was a one-arm pre-post-intervention trial involving 40 LDCs - those living at least two hours away from their care recipient - who experienced significant caregiver burden. Feasibility was evaluated in terms of three indicators: recruitment capability, intervention acceptability and suitability. Preliminary efficacy of LDCare for reducing burden, strains, and depression from pre- to immediate post intervention was determined. Feasibility indicators were tracked over time, and participants completed pre-intervention and immediate post-intervention assessments.

Results: LDCs were recruited within the planned timeframe. The acceptability of LDCare was excellent, as demonstrated by high study retention (90%) and overall intervention adherence (95%) rates. The suitability of LDCare for addressing LDCs' needs was rated high. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests revealed statistically significant decreases in caregiver burden, strains, and depression from pre- to immediate post-intervention.

Conclusions: LDCare demonstrated high feasibility and preliminary efficacy among burdened LDCs.

Clinical implications: LDCare has potential for scalability and eventual integration within service offerings of caregiver support organizations.

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来源期刊

Clinical Gerontologist GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY-PSYCHIATRY

CiteScore

6.20

自引率

25.00%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： Clinical Gerontologist presents original research, reviews, and clinical comments relevant to the needs of behavioral health professionals and all practitioners who work with older adults. Published in cooperation with Psychologists in Long Term Care, the journal is designed for psychologists, physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors (family, pastoral, and vocational), and other health professionals who address behavioral health concerns found in later life, including: -adjustments to changing roles- issues related to diversity and aging- family caregiving- spirituality- cognitive and psychosocial assessment- depression, anxiety, and PTSD- Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders- long term care- behavioral medicine in aging- rehabilitation and education for older adults. Each issue provides insightful articles on current topics. Submissions are peer reviewed by content experts and selected for both scholarship and relevance to the practitioner to ensure that the articles are among the best in the field. Authors report original research and conceptual reviews. A unique column in Clinical Gerontologist is “Clinical Comments." This section features brief observations and specific suggestions from practitioners which avoid elaborate research designs or long reference lists. This section is a unique opportunity for you to learn about the valuable clinical work of your peers in a short, concise format.