The Savvy Caregiver program: the demonstrated effectiveness of a transportable dementia caregiver psychoeducation program

Abstract

This article is about the trial of a transportable psychoeducation program for family caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias that was based on a program developed and previously tested in an academic setting. Family caregivers were recruited by agencies in three states and invited to participate in a randomized trial of this six-session program. Questionnaires were administered prior to randomization and again 5 to 6 months later to assess program effect. A total of 52 caregivers completed both questionnaires (22 were in the wait-list control group). Experimental participants' scores on measures of mastery and distress were significantly better than control participants' scores at follow-up (Time 2 Results for this transported program showed benefits to caregivers com parable to those in the previous trials. The program demonstrated that it could be offered in a variety of settings and that it had benefit for caregivers.