A home-based training program improves Taiwanese family caregivers' quality of life and decreases their risk for depression: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Little is known about the longitudinal effects of training programs on family caregivers' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depressive symptoms over time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a home-based caregiver training program on HRQoL and depressive symptoms for family caregivers of older persons with dementia. Methods: Outcomes (caregivers' HRQoL and depressive symptoms) were assessed before the training program (baseline), and at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months afterwards. HRQoL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Survey, Taiwan version. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Chinese version Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: Family caregivers who received the individualized home-based training program had better health outcomes in bodily pain (b=12.37, p < 0.013), role disability due to emotional problems (b = 17.74, p < 0.013), vitality (b = 12.40, p < 0.001), better mental summary score (b = 5.14, p < 0.003), and decreased risk for depression (odds ratio = 0.15, confidence interval = 0.04―0.65, p < 0.013) than those in the control group during the 6 months following the training program. Conclusion: Our home-based caregiver training program improved caregivers' HRQoL, especially role limitations due to emotional problems, and decreased their risk for depression.