More at Home with Dementia. The effect of training of caregivers of people with dementia on the well being of both the caregiver and the person with dementia.

Background

Caregivers, spouses in particular, of people with dementia have to deal with a severe task. They often

care for and live with their relative or partner for a long time while this person gradually loses cognitive

ability. However, they are not trained or otherwise prepared for this burdensome role.



In Australia a seven-day program known as the “Going to Stay at Home” project was developed and

proved to have multiple beneficial effects on the caregiver and the patient with dementia. This program

takes place on an external location together with four to six other couples.



During the program, caregivers receive extensive training covering all aspects with regard to living with

and caring for someone with dementia. Psychological, as well as social and practical matters will be

discussed. At the same time, the patients with dementia follow a separate program. Meals and

evenings are spent together in a pleasant way. The follow up period lasts six months and comprises of

monthly telephone calls and two group meetings.



Objective

We want to explore the effectiveness of this intervention in the Netherlands by means of a randomized

controlled trial. The primary outcome is subjective and objective carer burden and person with

dementia neuropsychiatric symptoms. In case of a positive outcome we aim at implantation of the

program as regular and insured care.

Is an intensive multimodel multicomponent program for caregivers of people with dementia more effective than care as usual on the well being of the carer and the person with dementia.

base line, 3 months, 6 months

7- day residential intensive training of carers of people with dementia. The training is an intensive multicomponent and multimodel training comprising psychosocial and psycho educational interventions and training of practical skills. Parallel to this training their partner receive a program aimed at coping with the disease and pleasant activities.