At the Crossroads: Development and Evaluation of a Dementia Caregiver Group Intervention to Assist in Driving Cessation

Abstract

Deciding when an individual with dementia must reduce or stop driving can be a stressful issue for family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to develop a group intervention to assist these caregivers with driving issues and to provide a preliminary evaluation of the comparative effectiveness of this At the Crossroads intervention. Participants were randomized to one of three arms: (1) active intervention (four 2-hour manualized educational/support group meetings; n = 31); (2) written materials only (participants received written materials after a pretest; n = 23); and (3)control (participants received written materials after a posttest; n = 12).Participants were administered a battery of self-report and interview-based questionnaires at baseline and again 2 months later. At follow-up, the active intervention group scored significantly better than both other groups on key outcome variables, including self-efficacy, communication, and preparedness. The At the Crossroads caregiver intervention appears to effectively provide education and support needed for caregivers to address driving-related issues with their loved ones.

TheLet's GoProgram for Community Participation: A Feasibility Study

“…Let's Go's educational modules help identify these unmet needs and provide a safe venue to share fears and concerns regarding community participation and mobility. Participants in support groups related to community mobility report improved quality of life and decreased depression (Dobbs et al, 2009;Stern et al, 2008). Hunt & Arbesman (2008) found educational programming increased safety knowledge, however, education sessions alone did not improve safety.…”

“…In an effort to translate knowledge gains to occupational performance, Let's Go incorporates experiential components. Educational programs focused on awareness and self-regulatory behaviors have been proven effective (Stern et al, 2008). DiStefano, et al (2009) provided 45 min group education sessions followed by individual problem solving exercises and found an increase in knowledge of alternative community mobility choices.…”

Caregiver support groups in patients with dementia: a meta‐analysis

“…Several studies show that caregiver support groups where members are attentive and supportive to one other and share experiences and knowledge, are able to help individuals relieve the pressures and burdens of caregiving (Zanetti et al, 1998;Ostwald et al, 1999;Chien and Lee, 2008;Gavrilova et al, 2009), mitigate depressive symptoms (Greene and Monahan, 1989;Ostwald et al, 1999;Marriott et al, 2000;Hepburn et al, 2001;Coon et al, 2003), reduce angry feelings (Steffen, 2000;Coon et al, 2003), obtain handling skills (Coon et al, 2003;Stern et al, 2008), maintain favorable health behavior and improve life quality (Zanetti et al, 1998;Fung and Chien, 2002;Chien and Lee, 2008), and increase social support and satisfaction (Roth et al, 2005).…”

The stages of driving cessation for people with dementia: needs and challenges

“…Liddle et al, 2007;Molnar et al, 2008;Stern et al, 2008). Liddle et al, 2007;Molnar et al, 2008;Stern et al, 2008).…”