The Effects of a Support Group on Dementia Caregivers’ Burden and Depression

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of a support group on depression levels and burden among dementia caregivers in Taiwan. METHOD: An experimental, pre-intervention postintervention control group design was used in this study. The experimental group received intervention consisting of a 12-week support group for dementia caregivers. A total of 85 subjects were evaluated before intervention, after intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: (a) The depression level of participants in the experimental group was significantly decreased after the intervention and at 1-month follow-up. (b) There was no significant difference in caregiver's burden after the support group intervention and 1-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: The improvement in dementia caregivers' depression levels shows that the support group was effective for reducing caregivers' depression although not effective for relieving their burden of care.