At the crossroads: development and evaluation of a dementia caregiver group intervention to assist in driving cessation

Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2008;29(4):363-82. doi: 10.1080/02701960802497936.

Abstract

Deciding when an individual with dementia must reduce or stop driving can be a stressful issue for family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to develop a group intervention to assist these caregivers with driving issues and to provide a preliminary evaluation of the comparative effectiveness of this At the Crossroads intervention. Participants were randomized to one of three arms: (1) active intervention (four 2-hour manualized educational/support group meetings; n = 31); (2) written materials only (participants received written materials after a pretest; n = 23); and (3)control (participants received written materials after a posttest; n = 12).Participants were administered a battery of self-report and interview-based questionnaires at baseline and again 2 months later. At follow-up, the active intervention group scored significantly better than both other groups on key outcome variables, including self-efficacy, communication, and preparedness. The At the Crossroads caregiver intervention appears to effectively provide education and support needed for caregivers to address driving-related issues with their loved ones.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease*
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Caregivers*
  • Curriculum
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Health Education*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self-Help Groups*
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control
  • United States