Review of Evidence-Based Approaches to Caregiver Training

Abstract

Training caregivers on tasks related to quality of life for the individuals they support is important across service sectors. Moreover, trainees often rank quality training as highly acceptable. This review summarizes the current status of the caregiver training literature, while providing recommendations for future research initiatives. Telecommunication and pyramidal training models represent advancements in caregiver trainings, and burgeoning evidence suggests that these approaches may effectively develop caregiver skill mastery. However, improved caregiver performance may not reliably coincide with client improvement. Behavioral skills training is an evidence-based approach to establish mastery across a range of skills within the context of caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Research examining skill generalization and maintenance, and the relationship between caregiver skill mastery and client outcomes remains relatively understudied. Early evidence examining advancements in caregiver training is promising and may offset costs associated with standard training approaches.