Learning Skills Together Family Caregiver Complex Intervention
Learning Skills Together: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complex Care Skills Intervention to Improve AD/ADRD Caregiver Self-Efficacy
Case Western Reserve University
200 participants
Jan 30, 2024
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Learning Skills Together (LST) is a 6-week psychoeducational intervention focused on complex care (nursing) tasks completed by family caregivers to persons living with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. This study aims to test the efficacy of LST at reducing caregiver depression and negative appraisal of behavioral symptoms of dementia by building caregiver self-efficacy. To do this, eligible participants will be randomized into an intervention group (LST) or a control group condition focused on healthy living for family caregivers. Participants will be asked to complete surveys before and after participating in the intervention or the control condition to determine whether change in hypothesized outcomes can be attributed to the intervention condition.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Is aged 18 years or older
- Be a family member, including "families of choice," to an individual living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia who has received a diagnosis from a physician
- Provide assistance with at least two instrumental activities of daily living or one activity of daily living
- Report a Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) rating for care recipients between 4 to 6
- Commit to attending at least 5 of the 6 discussion sessions
- Has reliable access to the internet and email and be able to attend synchronous sessions using the Zoom videoconferencing platform
Exclusion Criteria4
- Unable to read and speak English
- Participated in Learning Skills Together in the past
- Plans to place the care recipient in a skilled nursing facility within the next 9 months (i.e., study duration)
- Was diagnosed with depression and/or started or significantly altered their depression treatment, including starting a pharmacological therapy or beginning therapy, in the previous 3 months
Interventions
Learning Skills Together is a 6-week psychoeducational intervention developed to improve caregivers' confidence when completing complex care tasks (e.g., using a gait belt). Participants are asked to attend six 1.5-hour Zoom-delivered group discussion sessions once per week, which cover topics such as how to communicate with someone who is living with dementia, medication management, and home safety. Participants are also provided with a workbook that accompanies each lesson, and includes short readings, videos, additional resources, as well as weekly practice and reflection exercises.
Participants in the Caregiver Healthy Living Intervention will participate in a 6-week educational intervention to help improve caregiver health behaviors (e.g., getting enough sleep). Participants are asked to attend six 1.5-hour Zoom-delivered group discussion sessions once per week, which cover topics such as how to eat a healthy diet, getting enough physical activity, and taking care of mental health. Participants are also provided a workbook that includes short readings and additional resources.
Locations(1)
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NCT05846984