Friday, February 1, 2019

The Effectiveness of Telephone Support Programs for Caregivers of Frail Older Adults

Report Extract
Gerontologists have paid increasing attention in recent years to the needs of family caregivers of elderly individuals. The majority of older adults needing assistance rely on family members for support, but researchers have documented that providing care for a frail older person can be stressful and even detrimental to one's health (see, for example, Haug, Ford, Stange, Noelker, & Gaines, 1999; Vitaliano, Zhang, & Scanlan, 2003; Wallsten, 2000). 

One way to help vulnerable caregivers is through telephone support groups (TSG). In recent years, technological advances have made it possible to facilitate support groups through teleconferencing technology. This article focuses on the implementation and effectiveness of a TSG intervention for spousal and child caregivers of frail elderly family members.


To read full report visit: https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/46/5/620/629278