A Pilot Online Mindfulness Intervention to Decrease Caregiver Burden and Improve Psychological Well-Being. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tkatch, Rifky; Bazarko, Dawn; Musich, Shirley; Wu, Lizi; MacLeod, Stephanie; Keown, Karen; Hawkins, Kevin; Wicker, Ellen
• Is Part Of: Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine. Volume 22:Number 4(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 736
• Page End: 743
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: caregiving -- mindfulness meditation -- aging; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1177/2156587217737204
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2156-5872

Abstract

Interventions to reduce caregiver burden are of great interest as the number of informal family caregivers continues to grow. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of an online mindfulness meditation intervention for community-dwelling older adult caregivers and to evaluate its impact on quality of life, caregiver burden, and psychological well-being. A total of 40 caregivers were recruited from 2 community center support groups to participate in an 8-week online mindfulness intervention. Pre and post surveys were administered. Retention rates were high with 55% completing the post surveys and attending at least 5 out of 8 sessions. Matched pairs t test indicated that the intervention reduced caregiver burden, perceived stress, anxiety, and loneliness and improved mental well-being. Online interventions offer flexibility for caregivers regardless of their responsibilities. Future research should expand this opportunity and explore the scalability of online mindfulness interventions.