ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With increasing numbers of people living with dementia relying on family to care for them at home, there is an urgent need for practical and evidence-based programs to support carers in maintaining their mental health and well-being. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a modified STrAtegies for RelaTives (START) program delivered online (START-online). METHOD: A mixed-methods non-blinded evaluation of START-online (using Zoom as videoconferencing platform) for acceptability and feasibility (completion rates and qualitative feedback through surveys and focus groups) and quantitative evaluation. This occurred at the National Ageing Research Institute, in metropolitan Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eligible carers were referred, 20 (70%) consented to the study. Of these, 16 (80%) completed all 8 sessions, 2 completed only 3 sessions, and 2 withdrew. Carers' qualitative feedback indicated that the therapist interaction was valued, content and online delivery of the program was acceptable. Feedback was mixed on the appropriate stage of caring. CONCLUSION: START-online was feasible and acceptable for carers, including those living outside of metropolitan areas who might otherwise be unable to access face-to-face programs. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitating social distancing to avoid infection, interventions such as this one have increasing relevance in the provision of flexible services.
ABSTRACT
Memory interventions for older adults with cognitive concerns result in improved memory performance and maintenance of cognitive health. These programs are typically delivered face-to-face, which is resource intensive and creates access barriers, particularly for those with reduced mobility, limited transportation, and living in rural or remote areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an additional access barrier, given the increased risk this disease poses to older adults. Internet-based interventions seek to overcome these barriers. This paper describes the protocol of a pilot study that aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of one such internet-based intervention: the Online Personalised Training in Memory Strategies for Everyday (OPTIMiSE) program. OPTIMiSE focuses on improving knowledge regarding memory and providing training in effective memory strategies for everyday life. The pilot study described in this protocol will be a single-arm pre-post study of 8 weeks duration, with a single maintenance session 3 months post-intervention. Participants will be Australian adults aged ≥60 years reporting cognitive changes compared with 10 years ago. Primary outcome measures will address feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. Secondary outcome measures assessing sense of community and self-efficacy will be administered at the 8-week and 3-month timepoints. Data collection will conclude mid-2021, and results will be presented in a subsequent publication. Translation of memory interventions to internet-based delivery has the potential to remove many access barriers for older adults; however, the acceptability and feasibility of this modality needs investigation. OPTIMiSE is the initial step in what could be an important program enabling access to an evidence-based memory intervention for older adults worldwide. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12620000979954.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Residents in nursing homes are being isolated to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Many are prone to depression, anxiety and loneliness, and extra isolation leaves them vulnerable to compromised mental health. In this study, trained volunteers providing befriending for residents with symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness switched to remote befriending during COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to gauge volunteer perceptions of the switch.Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to understand how switching to remote befriending impacted on volunteers and residents. A convenience sample of 18 participants responded to questions either in individual or group interviews.Results: Volunteers adapted their befriending visits, switching from face to face visits to remote options. The format was decided collaboratively. Hearing impairments hindered phone calls. Residents sometimes felt uncomfortable with digital technology but on the whole, the change to remote "visiting" was accepted.Conclusions: Further research is being conducted to gauge mental health outcomes for residents. Most volunteers and residents accepted the switch to remote befriending as better than no contact.Clinical implications: Volunteers can provide valuable support for residents living with social isolation during COVID-19. The format for social support needs to be decided collaboratively between volunteer and resident.