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. 2025 Mar;44(1):e13397.
doi: 10.1111/ajag.13397. Epub 2025 Jan 12.

Support groups for family members of older adults in residential aged care: A pilot feasibility study

Sofie Dunkerley  1 , Sunil Bhar  1 , Jahar Bhowmik  2 , Helen Almond  3 , Maja Nedeljkovic  1 , Aida Brydon  1 , Denise Wissmann  1 , Mark Silver  1 , Jenny Linossier  1
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Support groups for family members of older adults in residential aged care: A pilot feasibility study

Sofie Dunkerley et al. Australas J Ageing. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: There are limited mental health support services in Australia that address the well-being of family members of aged care residents. The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of an online program designed to support residents' families.

Methods: This one-arm mixed methods project examined uptake, attendance and retention patterns, satisfaction and experience with the service, and pre- and postoutcomes with respect to depressive and anxiety symptoms and loneliness. The sample comprised 38 participants.

Results: The uptake, attendance and retention rates were high: 86%, 87% and 95%, respectively. Participants were satisfied with the content and format of the program. The benefits of participation included the following: connecting with peers, developing emotional well-being strategies, and learning about dementia and mental health issues. Suggestions for improving the program included the following: offering additional sessions and an option for meeting face-to-face. Symptoms of depression and anxiety improved significantly from pre- to postintervention time points, but loneliness did not statistically reduce over time.

Conclusions: This study found the family support group feasible and acceptable, and showed preliminary indications of effectiveness for improving depressive and anxiety symptoms for families of aged care residents.

Keywords: counselling; family caregivers; mental health; residential aged care facility; support groups.

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References

REFERENCES

    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Older Australians. Accessed March 20, 2024. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older‐people/older‐australians
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    1. Camões‐Costa V, Taylor B, Barton C, et al. Mental health outcomes of family carers after admission to aged care: a cross‐sectional survey study. Australas J Ageing. 2024;43:616‐627.
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