Telephone counseling interventions with caregivers of elders.

1. The use of the telephone in therapy has been documented in the care of disabled persons and persons with cancer and can be used with other populations. Telephone counseling is a feasible addition to the repertoire of assistance programs available. 2. The use of telephone counseling as an in-home intervention addresses some of the major limitations of out-of-home interventions, such as travel, making arrangements for an alternate caregiver, and worry due to absence from the care recipient. Telephone counseling also provides a means of reaching isolated or rural caregivers who have few or no available services. Telephone care can be a cost-effective, time efficient, and culturally acceptable intervention. 3. Telephone counseling has a potential value with caregivers comparable to the outcomes derived from pioneer mental health services, such as crisis intervention, suicide hot lines, and information and referral services. Nurses and other health care workers are encouraged to respond to the opportunities and challenges, as well as the promises, of telephone counseling intervention.