Evaluation of a model self-help telephone program: impact on natural networks

A study of a model telephone network program for caregivers of Alzheimer's disease victims considered its impact on caregivers' use of informal supports as well as perceived social supports, mental health, burden, and information about Alzheimer's disease. Participants were randomly assigned to a peer telephone network or an informational lecture series accessed over the telephone, and then they were reassigned to the alternative component after three months. Time series analysis of variance group-by-time interactions showed that participants learned more while listening to informational tapes and contacted family and friends more while waiting to enter a peer network. Program benefits seen after the first three months (reduced psychological distress, increased support satisfaction, and perceived social support) leveled off or declined during the second three months. Additionally, caregiver burden and social conflict increased during the second three months. This erosion of benefits suggests that program entry may be the period of maximum program receptivity or that overload of family networks created conflict.