An Outpatient-Based Training Program Improves Family Caregivers' Preparedness in Caring for Persons With Mild...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Caregiver Support
• Cognitive Impairment Research

Background:

• Limited understanding of training program impacts on family caregivers of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• Variability in outcome measures across studies hinders clear interpretation of existing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an outpatient caregiver training program's effect on preparedness, quality of life, and depressive symptoms.
• Focus on caregivers of older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Main Methods:

• Randomized clinical trial with 54 family caregivers (28 experimental, 26 control).
• Experimental group received training on MCI, cognitive function strategies, healthcare management, and emotional support.
• Outcomes assessed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Caregiver preparedness significantly improved in the experimental group by 6 months post-intervention (p = .008).
• No significant impact observed on caregiver depressive symptoms or health-related quality of life.

Conclusions:

• The caregiver training program effectively enhanced perceived preparedness for managing care of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• The intervention did not yield significant changes in caregiver depressive symptoms or health-related quality of life.