AID TO FLORIDA ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS  

 

 

 Robert Gluekauf, Prof. at the Florida State University College of Medicine, has created the Alzheimer's rural Care Healthline (ARCH).  It is a three year, three phase program designed to bring education and support to Alzheimer's caregivers in rural areas via telephone.  The first phase of the project involved focus groups for persons in areas of rural northern Florida.  These groups introduced users to community leaders to assess the caregiver needs, as well as the best way to engage them in the program.

 

The second phase consisted of dementia care workshops, which provided info on the basics of dementia care, the most recent advances in the treatment of Alzheimer's, an explanation of ARCH, as well as a rational for caregiver participation in skill building.  The dementia workshops are open to rural caregivers, healthcare providers and anyone affected by the disease.

 

The third and final phase of the project involves conducting randomized trials, which compare the effects of telephone based rural caregiver cognitive behavioral intervention versus the routine care available in more metropolitan areas.

 

The telephone intervention consists of 12 weekly sessions addressing issues of relaxation, stress management, goal-setting, and problem solving skills.  Gluechauf said that research has shown similar skill building interventions delivered in hospitals or health care centers have led to a decrease in caregiver depression and burden.

 

Those interested in participating in ARCH should call 866-778-ARCH for more information.

 

 

Leonora J. Sicular (joylar@att.net) Florida Alzheimer's Chairperson