Abstract
In total, 90 dyads of persons with dementia and their caregivers, in groups of 3-6 dyads, volunteered to participate in a five-day residential training program and were followed-up 6 and 12 months later. The primary outcome was caregiver depression; secondary outcomes were measures of caregiver burden, unmet needs, person with dementia behavioral symptoms, and the quality of life and function. Caregiver depression and burden were unchanged, despite decreasing function in persons with dementia. Caregivers' unmet needs and behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia decreased significantly. Compared to a group of persons with dementia admitted for routine residential respite care, there was a marked reduction in permanent placement over 12 months. The Going to Stay at Home Program is a feasible and practicable model with benefits for caregivers and persons with dementia. It may lead to delay in institutionalization and may be applicable to other chronic conditions.
Highlights
In 2017, approximately 413,000 people in Australia had a diagnosis of dementia, a number expected to rise to around 1.1 million by 2056 by which time current annual costs exceeding $A14 billion annually are set to exceed $A1 trillion (Brown et al, 2017); (1AUD ≈ 0.75USD)
1., that at least 60% of caregivers will have the person with dementia still living at home at 12-month follow-up, 2. caregiver psychological distress will be reduced at 6- and 12-months compared to baseline, 3. caregiver burden will be reduced at 6- and 12months compared to baseline, and 4. there will be no increase in behavioral or psychological symptoms of dementia in the person with dementia
Participants of Going to Stay At Home (GTSAH) were recruited through a broad promotional strategy that included referrals from the New South Wales Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services ( Dementia Support Australia), aged care community service providers, aged care assessment teams (ACAT), health services, the media, and word of mouth
Summary
90 dyads of persons with dementia and their caregivers, in groups of 3–6 dyads, volunteered to participate in a five-day residential training program and were followed-up 6 and 12 months later. The primary outcome was caregiver depression; secondary outcomes were measures of caregiver burden, unmet needs, person with dementia behavioral symptoms, and the quality of life and function
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