Pilot testing of the strengthening caregiving activities program for Thai informal caregivers of dependent older people

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effect of the Strengthening Caregiving Activities Program on care partners' caregiver burden and activities of daily living (ADLs) ability. The program was used for the informal caregivers of dependent older people; 29 participants were recruited from a community center in Thailand. Caregiver burden and ADL changes were assessed for preliminary effects using the one-way repeated measure ANOVA at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The six program sessions were implemented as intended, with 93.10% of participants reporting satisfaction with the program (M = 26.653; SD = 3.380). Caregiver burden statistically decreased after the intervention and follow-up (p < .05), but the care partners' ADLs did not. This program was feasible and showed promise for the reduction of caregiver burden. A randomized controlled trial should be conducted to test the effect of the Strengthening Caregiving Activities Program on large samples of caregivers.