E-care: a telecommunications technology intervention for family caregivers of dementia patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a technology-based psychoeducational intervention for family caregivers of dementia patients. An additional objective was to determine if the intervention could be implemented by a community-based social service agency.


METHODS
Forty-six caregivers were randomly assigned to either a technology-based intervention or an information-only control condition.


RESULTS
Caregivers assigned to the intervention condition reported a significant decrease in burden postintervention and those who evidenced high depression at baseline experienced a significant decline in depression.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence that technology offers a cost-effective and practical method for delivering interventions to caregivers.
Finkel
Sanford
S
Council for Jewish Elderly, Chicago, IL, USA. sfinkel104@aol.com
Czaja
Sara J
SJ
Schulz
Richard
R
Martinovich
Zoran
Z
Harris
Carol
C
Pezzuto
Donna
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012947:Social Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome