Sheryl Zimmerman1,2, Philip D Sloane1,3, Kimberly Ward1, Anna Beeber1,4, David Reed1, Christine Lathren1, Bobbi Matchar5, Lisa Gwyther5. 1. 1 Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 2. 2 Schools of Social Work and Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 3. 3 Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 4. 4 School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 5. 5 Duke Family Support Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: Family caregivers of people with dementia must attend to medical care needs of their relative, yet few available resources address comorbidities in dementia. Consequently, caregivers feel ill-equipped when medical concerns arise. In response, an educational resource-Alzheimer's Medical Advisor ( AlzMed)-was developed in 2 forms (website and book) and evaluated. METHODS: Family caregivers (143 website and 51 book) used an educational resource that provides information on medical problems, vital signs, pain, dehydration, and the healthcare system. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months regarding confidence in sign/symptom management, burden, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: Caregivers reported significantly improved confidence and (for website users) decreased role strain. Anxiety and depression also decreased, although not significantly. Improved confidence related to a reduction in role strain and anxiety, and care recipients did not experience adverse events. CONCLUSION: An educational resource focusing on care of comorbid illness may benefit caregiver outcomes.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: Family caregivers of people with dementia must attend to medical care needs of their relative, yet few available resources address comorbidities in dementia. Consequently, caregivers feel ill-equipped when medical concerns arise. In response, an educational resource-Alzheimer's Medical Advisor ( AlzMed)-was developed in 2 forms (website and book) and evaluated. METHODS: Family caregivers (143 website and 51 book) used an educational resource that provides information on medical problems, vital signs, pain, dehydration, and the healthcare system. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months regarding confidence in sign/symptom management, burden, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: Caregivers reported significantly improved confidence and (for website users) decreased role strain. Anxiety and depression also decreased, although not significantly. Improved confidence related to a reduction in role strain and anxiety, and care recipients did not experience adverse events. CONCLUSION: An educational resource focusing on care of comorbid illness may benefit caregiver outcomes.
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