Do Technology-Based Support Groups Reduce Care Burden Among Dementia Caregivers? A Review

• Published in: Journal of evidence-informed social work Vol. 12; no. 5; pp. 474 - 487
• Main Author: Lee, Eunyoung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 01.01.2015
• Subjects: care burden; Caregivers - psychology; Dementia - therapy; Dementia caregiver; Home Care Services; Humans; narrative review; Self-Help Groups; social support group; Stress, Psychological; technology; Telemedicine; care burden; Dementia caregiver; narrative review; technology; social support group
• ISSN: 2376-1407; 2376-1415
• DOI: 10.1080/15433714.2014.930362

Technology-based support groups for caregivers are often more accessible and convenient than attending face-to-face support groups. In this review the author examines the effectiveness of technology-based social support groups on reducing care burden among caregivers of individuals with dementia. Studies were identified through 10 online bibliographic databases. Inclusion criteria: (a) published before June 2013, (b) rigorous study design, (c) English language, (d) peer-reviewed journals, (e) home-based care, (f) telephone and/or Internet support group utilized at home, and (g) outcome measure of care burden or caregiver stress. Technology-based social support groups enjoy a modest level of positive outcomes, appear to be low cost, and pose little risk of harmful effects while reducing care burden in caregivers. Based on the five studies reviewed, technology-based support group services have demonstrated a positive impact on reducing care burden among dementia caregivers; and improve support networks similarly to the way face-to-face support groups connect participants.