EVALUATE-AD and Tele-STAR: Novel Methodologies for Assessment of Caregiver Burden in a Telehealth Caregiver Intervention - A Case Study

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2019;47(3):176-184. doi: 10.1159/000497805. Epub 2019 Jun 27.

Abstract

Aims: We explored the relationship between objective and subjective measures of burden prior to and after a telehealth-based caregiver intervention. One caregiver participated in two studies, one to assess the feasibility of objective, home-based monitoring (EVALUATE-AD), the second to assess the feasibility of a caregiver education telehealth-based intervention, Tele-STAR.

Methods: Subjective measures of burden and depression in Tele-STAR and objective measures related to daily activities of the caregiver in EVALUATE-AD were compared to examine trends between the different outcome measures.

Results: While the caregiver reported an increase in distressing behaviors by her partner, burden levels did not significantly change during or after the Tele-STAR intervention, while objective measures of activity and sleep showed a slight decline.

Conclusion: Unobtrusive home-based monitoring may provide a novel, objective method to assess the effectiveness of caregiver intervention programs.

Keywords: Caregiver burden.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Cost of Illness
  • Dementia / psychology
  • Dementia / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Status and Dementia Tests
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Self-Help Devices*
  • Telemedicine*