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.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that technology offers a cost-effective and practical method for delivering interventions to caregivers.