Dementia
A seven-week phone-based program helped dementia caregivers feel more positive about their role, small study finds
George Mason University researchers delivered short lessons in Chinese through WeChat to 48 caregivers; positive caregiving scores nearly doubled, but stress and depression scores didn't change much.
Key facts
- 48 caregivers took a seven-week WeChat program.
- Positive caregiving scores nearly doubled.
- Stress and depression scores did not change significantly.
What happened
Researchers at George Mason University reported on November 4 on WECARE 2.0, a seven-week support program for Chinese-American family caregivers of people with dementia. Caregivers received brief lessons in Chinese through the WeChat messaging app on handling hard situations, talking with family and health professionals, managing stress and finding local services. Optional online group meetings let them connect with others.
The pilot study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging, included 48 caregivers, most of them women, with an average age of 64. Scores measuring positive caregiving experiences rose from an average of 12.62 to 24.76 on a 36-point scale, an increase of 96%, and stayed significantly higher at 12 months among the 36 caregivers who completed follow-up. Caregivers also reported a greater sense of control and competence right after the program. There were no statistically significant changes in depressive symptoms, caregiving burden or life satisfaction. Because the study was small and had no comparison group, the researchers cannot say the program caused the changes. A larger trial of a new version with an app and website in English and Chinese is planned among 200 caregivers.
What it means for families
Short, practical lessons that fit into a caregiver's day may help people feel more capable, even when the work itself stays hard.
Support in a family's own language can make it easier to find and use local services.
New York's Alzheimer's Association chapters and county aging offices offer free caregiver support groups, including some online and in languages other than English.
What to do this week
- Look for a caregiver support group or class that fits your schedule, including online options.
- Ask your county aging office whether programs are offered in your family's language.
- Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 with questions.
Sources
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