Helping Dementia Caregivers Manage Medical Problems: Benefits of an Educational Resource

Background/Rationale: Family caregivers of people with dementia must attend to medical care needs of their relative, yet few available resources address comorbidities in dementia. Consequently, caregivers feel ill-equipped when medical concerns arise. In response, an educational resource—Alzheimer’s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias 2018-05, Vol.33 (3), p.176-183
Main Authors: Zimmerman, Sheryl, Sloane, Philip D., Ward, Kimberly, Beeber, Anna, Reed, David, Lathren, Christine, Matchar, Bobbi, Gwyther, Lisa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Alzheimer Disease - nursing
Anxiety - psychology
Caregivers - psychology
Comorbidity
Depression - psychology
Female
Health Education - methods
Humans
Internet
Male
Middle Aged
Self Efficacy
Stress, Psychological - prevention & control
Stress, Psychological - psychology
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Summary:Background/Rationale: Family caregivers of people with dementia must attend to medical care needs of their relative, yet few available resources address comorbidities in dementia. Consequently, caregivers feel ill-equipped when medical concerns arise. In response, an educational resource—Alzheimer’s Medical Advisor (AlzMed)—was developed in 2 forms (website and book) and evaluated. Methods: Family caregivers (143 website and 51 book) used an educational resource that provides information on medical problems, vital signs, pain, dehydration, and the healthcare system. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months regarding confidence in sign/symptom management, burden, depression, and anxiety. Results: Caregivers reported significantly improved confidence and (for website users) decreased role strain. Anxiety and depression also decreased, although not significantly. Improved confidence related to a reduction in role strain and anxiety, and care recipients did not experience adverse events. Conclusion: An educational resource focusing on care of comorbid illness may benefit caregiver outcomes.
ISSN:1533-3175
1938-2731
DOI:10.1177/1533317517749466