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Virtual Dementia-Friendly Communities (Verily Connect) Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial: Improving
Irene Blackberry1,2, Tshepo Rasekaba1, Debra Morgan3
1John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Wodonga, VIC 3689, Australia.
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 22, 2023
Summary
The Verily Connect model improved social support for dementia caregivers in rural Australia. Younger caregivers and those under 55 saw the most significant benefits, with increased support and reduced care demands.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Caregivers of individuals with dementia face social isolation and reduced support.
- Rural caregivers experience unique challenges in accessing support services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Virtual Dementia-Friendly Rural Communities (Verily Connect) model on social support and care demand among dementia caregivers.
- To explore factors influencing social support and engagement within the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial involving 113 caregivers in 12 rural Australian communities.
- Intervention included an integrated website/app, peer-support videoconferencing, and technology hubs.
- Data collected via MOS-SSS and ZBI, with correlation analysis, thin plate regression, Google Analytics, and cost analysis.
Main Results:
- Caregivers' perceived social support (MOS-SSS) significantly increased over 32 weeks (p = 0.003).
- A trend towards reduced caregiver demand (ZBI) was observed.
- Younger caregivers (<55 years) showed the greatest improvement in social support.
- Peak engagement with the platform occurred early, followed by a decline.
Conclusions:
- The Verily Connect model effectively enhances social support for rural dementia caregivers.
- The intervention shows potential in alleviating caregiver burden.
- Age appears to be a factor in the effectiveness of social support interventions for caregivers.
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