Predictors of Adherence to a Skill-Building Intervention in Dementia Caregivers

Abstract

Modifiable caregiver and treatment implementation factors, including active engagement of caregivers, were associated with adherence, whereas patient characteristics were not. Caregivers with poor health may be at risk for not benefiting from intervention, suggesting that efforts, including instruction in preventive care and allocating time to attend to their own health care needs, be directed towards improving their health.

Caregivers as Therapeutic Agents in Dementia Care

“…These are all factors that are necessary for and which support moving forward with the wide spread translation, implementation, and dissemination of proven interventions for delivery in service and practice settings (Gearing et al, 2011;Gitlin et al, 2015). Although these caregiver interventions vary widely in dose, intensity, and mode of delivery (i.e., telephone, mail, face to face, and technology), this review reveals that effective interventions share five key characteristics: (i) active involvement of family caregivers in the intervention process rather than a didactic, prescriptive approach (Chee, Gitlin, Dennis, & Hauck, 2007); (ii) tailoring to specific needs identified by caregivers (Black, 2014;Richards et al, 2007), (iii) addressing multiple areas of need (Belle et al, 2006;Zarit, & Femia, 2008); (iv) longer interventions or episodic (i.e., booster) support over time or duration of caregiving; and (v) adjusting the dose, intensity, and specific focus of an intervention based on a caregiver's risk or need profile (Belle et al, 2006;Czaja et al, 2009). …”

Current Occupational Therapy Publications in Home Health: A Scoping Review

“…Outcomes reduced problematic behaviors and declines in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs; Gitlin, Corcoran, et al, 2001) and increased caregiver ability while reducing upset (Gitlin et al, 2003). Many outcomes were sustained at 12 mo (Gitlin, Hauck, Dennis, & Winter, 2005), and factors predicting success and barriers were identified (Chee, Gitlin, Dennis, & Hauck, 2007). Other authors used shorter interventions, demonstrating similar outcomes in reduced caregiver burden and stress (Dooley & Hinojosa, 2004;Holmes, 2000;Sheldon & Teaford, 2002) and increased quality of life, affect, self-care status, and activity frequency (Dooley & Hinojosa, 2004).…”

Effect of Educational and Supportive Strategies on the Ability of Caregivers of People With Dementia to Maintain Participation in That Role

“…Although caregiver health status is significantly influenced by where the person with AD resides, total burden does not significantly differ between caregivers of community-dwelling patients and caregivers of institutionalized patients (Fredman et al, 2008). People with AD whose caregivers are in poor health may be at risk for not benefiting from intervention, suggesting that efforts, including instruction in preventive care and allocating time to attend to their own health care needs, must be directed toward caregivers as part of a comprehensive AD service program (Campbell et al, 2008;Chee, Gitlin, Dennis, & Hauck, 2007;Zarit & Femia, 2008).…”