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