Virtually supportive: A feasibility pilot study of an online support group for dementia caregivers in a 3D virtual environment

Abstract Introduction Caregiver support groups effectively reduce stress from caring for someone with dementia. These same demands can prevent participation in a group. The present feasibility study investigated a virtual online caregiver support group to bring the support group into the home. While...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging studies 2014-08, Vol.30, p.87-93
Main Authors: O'Connor, Mary-Frances, Arizmendi, Brian J, Kaszniak, Alfred W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Arizona
Avatar
Caregiver
Caregiver Burden
Caregivers
Caregivers - psychology
Chat rooms
Dementia
Dementia - nursing
Feasibility
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Internal Medicine
Internet
Loneliness
Male
Middle Aged
Participation
Pilot Projects
Satisfaction
Self Help Groups
Senility
Stress
Support group
Support groups
Telecommunications
Virtual world
Web sites
Web-based
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Summary:Abstract Introduction Caregiver support groups effectively reduce stress from caring for someone with dementia. These same demands can prevent participation in a group. The present feasibility study investigated a virtual online caregiver support group to bring the support group into the home. While online groups have been shown to be helpful, submissions to a message board (vs. live conversation) can feel impersonal. Method By using avatars, participants interacted via real-time chat in a virtual environment in an 8-week support group. Result Data indicated lower levels of perceived stress, depression and loneliness across participants. Importantly, satisfaction reports also indicate that caregivers overcame the barriers to participation, and had a strong sense of the group's presence. Discussion This study provides the framework for an accessible and low cost online support group for a dementia caregiver. The study demonstrates the feasibility of interactive group in a virtual environment for engaging members in meaningful interaction.
ISSN:0890-4065
1879-193X
DOI:10.1016/j.jaging.2014.03.001