The Efficacy of a Group Treatment Model in Helping Spouses Meet the Emotional and Practical Challenges of Early Stage Caregiving

Abstract

ABSTRACT The emotional and practical challenges faced by caregivers of persons with early stage Alzheimer's Disease are often complex. However, the needs of these early caregivers often go unrecognized by family members, friends, and service professionals. In this article, a model outlining the emotional and practical challenges of early stage Alzheimer's caregiving is described and the results of a pilot study regarding the effectiveness of a psychoeducational support group for early stage caregivers are presented. Posttest measures indicate a significant increase in participants' preparedness for the caregiving role, competence, and use of positive coping strategies, and also a decrease in their levels of perceived strain. These results suggest that interventions with family members during the early phase of their caregiving career can promote their wellness and enhance their ability to face both current and future challenges.