Tele-Savvy: An Online Program for Dementia Caregivers

Overview

Journal Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Neurology

Date 2018 Mar 17

PMID 29544342

Citations 26

Authors

Patricia C Griffiths

Mariya Kovaleva

Melinda Higgins

Ashley H Langston

Kenneth Hepburn

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an online version of the Savvy Caregiver Program, a psychoeducation program for caregivers caring for a person with dementia.

Methods: A convenience sample of 22 caregivers from the Atlanta VA and 42 caregivers from 14 different states enrolled in Tele-Savvy. Pre- and post-program evaluations assessed caregiver burden, caregiver competency, and frequency of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Results: Fifty-seven caregivers completed the 6-week Tele-Savvy program. Caregivers whose care recipients exhibited higher average BPSD frequency at baseline demonstrated significantly greater burden decreases post-program. Caregivers of care recipients in more advanced dementia stages demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in caregiver competence.

Discussion: The results point to the feasibility of achieving significant results in caregivers' well-being and care recipients' BPSD with a fully online program. Tele-Savvy may be particularly efficacious for caregivers whose care recipients exhibit higher BPSD frequency and are in later dementia stages.

Citing Articles

BPSDiary study protocol: a multi-center randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of a BPSD diary vs. standard care in reducing caregiver's burden.

Pozzi F, Cali L, DAntonio F, Altomare A, Sepe Monti M, Panigutti M Front Dement. 2024; 2:1301280.

PMID: 39081982 PMC: 11285609. DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2023.1301280.

The Effect of Tele-Savvy on Sleep Quality and Insomnia in Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia.

Brewster G, Higgins M, Varrasse McPhillips M, Bonds Johnson K, Epps F, Yeager K Clin Interv Aging. 2023; 18:2117-2127.

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Psychobiological effects of an eHealth psychoeducational intervention to informal caregivers of persons with dementia: a pilot study during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.

Singh Solorzano C, Cattane N, Mega A, Orini S, Zanetti O, Chattat R Aging Clin Exp Res. 2023; 35(12):3085-3096.

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Salikhanov I, Katapodi M, Kunirova G, Crape B Front Public Health. 2023; 11:1186107.

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Older Adults' Pain Outcomes After mHealth Interventions: Scoping Review.

Shade M, Kovaleva M, Harp K, Martin-Hammond A JMIR Aging. 2023; 6:e46976.

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