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Memory and communication support strategies in dementia: Effect of a training program for informal caregivers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2012

Jacki Liddle ,
Erin R. Smith-Conway ,
Rosemary Baker ,
Anthony J. Angwin ,
Cindy Gallois ,
David A. Copland ,
Nancy A. Pachana ,
Michael S. Humphreys ,
Gerard J. Byrne  and
Helen J. Chenery
Jacki Liddle
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Erin R. Smith-Conway*
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Rosemary Baker
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Anthony J. Angwin
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Cindy Gallois
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
David A. Copland
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Nancy A. Pachana
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Michael S. Humphreys
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Gerard J. Byrne
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Helen J. Chenery
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr Erin Smith-Conway, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston 4029, Australia. Phone: +61 7 3346 5583; Fax: +61 7 3346 5599. Email: e.conway@uq.edu.au.
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Abstract

Background: People with dementia have a range of needs that are met by informal caregivers. A DVD-based training program was developed using research-based strategies for memory and communication in dementia. The effectiveness of the training on the caregiver experience and the well-being of the person with dementia was evaluated.

Methods: A pre-test/post-test controlled trial was undertaken with caregiver–care-recipient dyads living in the community. Measures of the carers’ knowledge of memory and communication strategies, burden, positive perceptions of caregiving, and perceptions of problem behaviors were taken pre- and three months post-intervention. The depression and well-being of the person with dementia were also evaluated. Satisfaction with the training and feedback were measured.

Results: Twenty-nine dyads (13 training group, 16 control group) participated. Bonferroni's correction was made to adjust for multiple comparisons, setting α at 0.00385. A significant improvement was found in caregivers’ knowledge for the training group compared to the control group (p = 0.0011). The training group caregivers reported a reduction in the frequency of care recipient disruptive behaviors (p = 0.028) and increased perceptions of positive aspects of caregiving (p = 0.039), both at a level approaching significance. The training group care recipients had increased frequency of verbally communicated depressive behaviors at a level approaching significance (p = 0.0126). The frequency of observed depressive behaviors was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions: This approach to training for caregivers of people with dementia appears promising for its impact on knowledge and the caregiving experience. Further research could monitor the impact of the training on broader measures of depression and well-being, with a larger sample.

Keywords

knowledge translationcommunity carecognitive rehabilitationcommunication skillsfamilywell-beingburdenstress
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 24 , Issue 12 , December 2012 , pp. 1927 - 1942
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2012

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