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Cost effectiveness of a training program for dementia carers
1Memory Disorders Clinic, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
International Psychogeriatrics
|January 1, 1991
Summary
A 10-day residential training program for dementia carers significantly improves patient survival at home and reduces carer psychological distress. This dementia carer training also led to fewer patient deaths and substantial cost savings over 39 months.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous research indicated a 10-day residential training program for dementia carers improved patient survival and reduced carer psychological morbidity.
- Long-term follow-up data were needed to assess the sustained impact of this intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a dementia carer training program on patient survival and carer well-being.
- To determine the economic impact of the dementia carer training program.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving dementia patients whose carers participated in an intensive 10-day residential training program.
- Follow-up assessment conducted approximately 39 months after the initial training intervention.
Main Results:
- Patients with trained carers demonstrated significantly higher adjusted rates of survival at home (53% vs. 13%) compared to untrained carers.
- Patients with trained carers experienced fewer deaths (20% vs. 41%) and substantial cost savings ($A7,967 per patient).
- Patients whose carers received delayed training showed intermediate survival and mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- The dementia carer training program offers significant long-term benefits for patient home survival and reduces mortality.
- The intervention is cost-effective, demonstrating considerable savings in patient care over 39 months.
- This training represents a valuable strategy for supporting dementia carers and improving patient outcomes.