Evaluating the Efficacy and Acceptability of the Empowered Caregiver Program on Caregivers of People Living with Dementia.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a two-session online program, The Empowered Caregiver, for caregivers of people living with dementia.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) research design was used to examine efficacy with caregivers randomly assigned to the program (n = 219) or wait-list control (n = 219) conditions. Self-reported data were collected at three timepoints: baseline, after program completion, and 45 days post-completion. Program content areas included: caregiving supports, independence, communication, and dementia behaviors. Acceptability data was collected by program participants.

RESULTS

Significant improvements after completing the program and short-term maintenance 45 days post-program completion were found for self-efficacy, emotional health strain, role captivity, mastery, personal gain, unmet needs distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, behavioral intentions and actions. The majority of participants (55%) attended both sessions; 74% attended one session; and 26% did not attend either session. Participants evaluated the program as highly acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that The Empowered Caregiver was efficacious in improving outcomes along with short-term maintenance across outcomes and was viewed as a very acceptable approach.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The two-session protocol delivered online by volunteer community educators serves as a model for developing and implementing pragmatic and scalable educational and skill-building programs.