At the 2008 Rocky Mountain Geriatrics Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, David Coon, Ph.D. from Arizona State University, discussed what the research says about various caregiver support services. I've also included tips on how to find these services near you.
- Psychoeducational programs -- These caregiver classes, which help caregivers learn skills such as behavior management, depression management, anger management, and personal care techniques, have been shown to reduce caregiver stress and enhance well-being.
Where to find them: Contact your nearest Alzheimer's Association; most chapters offer psychoeducational programs on a regular basis. Your local Area Agency on Aging might also offer these programs (use the Eldercare Locator to find your nearest agency).
- Psychotherapy -- Research indicates that cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on modifying thoughts and behaviors in order to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, has been helpful for caregivers.
Where to find it: Ask your local Alzheimer's Association for referrals to psychotherapists in your area who specialize in caregiver issues; if cost is a concern, be sure to find a provider covered under your health care plan (most companies allow you to search their websites for providers with targeted expertise).
- Combined approaches -- Research also suggests that caregivers who participate in both psychoeducational programs and psychotherapy show a significant reduction in caregiver stress.
Dr. Coon also listed other types of caregiver support that had not been researched as much as psychoeducational programs or psychotherapy but are still very promising. They include environmental approaches (i.e., changing elements of the environment, such as lighting, temperature, or noise in order to manage difficult behaviors), support groups, and respite. To find out whether these additional types of caregiver support services are available near you, contact your local Alzheimer's Association or Area Agency on Aging.
Sources:
Coon, D. W. (2008, September). Caregiving for special populations. Paper presentation at the 6th Annual Rocky Mountain Geriatrics Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Gallagher-Thompson, D., & Coon, D. W. (2007). Evidence-based psychological treatments for distress in family caregivers of older adults. Psychology and Aging, 22, 37-51.
