Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Online: Lessons Learned, Initial Findings and Future Directions
By Diamond, Bruce J.; Glueckauf, Robert L.; Loomis, Jeffrey S.; NeuroRehabilitation: An Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 135-146Publication Date: 2003
Paper discusses the development and implementation of Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Online (AlzOnline), which is a Web- and telephone-based education and support network for caregivers of people with progressive dementia. Family caregivers of older adults with progressive dementia must deal with a variety of emotional and behavioral difficulties such as dealing with persistent, repetitive questions, managing agitation and depression, and monitoring hygiene and self-care. AlzOnline aims to disseminate information about effective coping and problem-solving skills for caregivers, serve as a clearinghouse for Internet-based caregiver support services, and to provide a toll-free telephone line to ensure information and support to caregivers. Lessons learned from the first two years of the initiative are discussed, as are the findings of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded marketing initiative and an initial program evaluation of AlzOnline's Positive Caregiving classes. Clinical implications and future directions for program development and evaluation are discussed. AlzOnline is funded by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
