P3‐353: Impact of a Community‐Based Implementation of a Caregiver Education Program and Respite Care Program on Quality of Life Among Alzheimer’s Caregivers in Tarrant County, TX

As the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease grows, the number of caregiving hours provided by a family member or close friend is expected to increase tremendously. Several interventions have been effective at reducing caregiver stress and burden. Respite services or adult day care is a resource provided in the community that can be helpful in reducing depression, burden and anger. Although utilizing both a caregiver education program and respite care services may improve quality of life, little evidence exists. This study included 697 caregivers enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas Chapter’s Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health II (REACH II) program as well as 190 family units enrolled in respite services through Easter Seals North Texas. Participants were enrolled between May 2012 and December 2014. To compare program effectiveness on quality of life among caregivers, two groups were identified: REACH II vs. REACH II and respite. Five dimensions of quality of life (burden, depression, social support, self-care, and problem behaviors) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes and differences in quality of life measures between the two groups. Overall, significant improvements from baseline to 6 months were found in caregiving burden, depression, and social support among both groups. Clients enrolled only in REACH II showed significantly higher levels of social support and lower levels of burden and depression compared to clients who enrolled in both REACH II and respite. Significant interaction effects between program (REACH II only vs. REACH II and respite) and intervention (baseline vs. 6 month) were found. REACH II clients had steeper declines in depression and caregiving burden from baseline to 6 months than did REACH II and respite clients. Our findings indicate that family units receiving both REACH II and respite services showed a different rate of improvement in quality of life compared to family units receiving only REACH II. More careful investigation on the impact of community-based support and resources for caregivers (e.g., respite care, adult day services) is needed.