Evaluation of virtual caregiver support groups for young-onset dementia family caregivers

ABSTRACT A model of a virtual psychotherapeutic support group was developed for young-onset dementia (YOD; people with dementia under the age of 65) caregivers; one group for adult children and one for spouses. This pilot study evaluated the impact of support groups on YOD caregivers’ psychosocial well-being, coping abilities, and knowledge. At post, psychosocial measures revealed an increase in the number of coping strategies rated as helpful among the 13 spousal and 14 adult children caregivers who completed the study. Adult children were observed to have a reduction in both the negative impact of caregiving and depression scores. Caregivers reported that being able to share experiences with other caregivers in similar circumstances helped them feel supported and less alone. The virtual support groups demonstrated the potential to reduce the negative impact of caregiving, especially among adult children, and showed that the groups could improve knowledge and capacity building for all caregivers.