Evidence Based Intervention Case Study

Evidence Based Intervention

Case Information

Mary has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at a moderate level. She also has other health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Her husband, John has these additional health issues as well and is currently Mary’s caregiver. They receive home health services as well. John understands that Mary will need to go to a nursing home at some point, but would like to keep her at home for as long as possible. What are effective interventions that provide support to spousal caregivers that prolong home care of Alzheimer’s patients?

Caring for a patient with Alzheimer’s is exhausting emotionally and physically. People with Alzheimer’s require a higher level of care due to the

Individual sessions were tailored to the caregiver and their needs, which included things like learning techniques for behaviors, and promoting better communication. The family sessions were with family members the caregiver suggested, the Alzheimer’s patient was not included in the sessions. The support groups were for ongoing emotional support and education within a peer group. The telephone counseling was available for support or crisis when the caregiver needed it and as much as they needed over the course of the

Research shows that Alzheimer’s disease may triple in the coming decades. In 2004, the annual cost averages $60,000.00 for nursing home care in the United States. Prolonging home care will cut that amount. The study did not provide a cost analysis but future research should consider this topic. Another strength is that the study demonstrates that evidence based interventions are effective for caregivers, including all caregivers not just of Alzheimer’s patients (Mittelman, et el., 2006). A considerable strength is the extended period of time that this study lasted, the large sample of caregivers provided, and the continuous follow up that was conducted. Other strengths were that the counselors hold master’s or doctorate degrees in social work, psychology, and gerontology, and that the was a low attrition rate.

SMART Goals

Goal: To actively take care of Mary at home as long as possible.

John will participate in a local support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers one time a week over the next 12 months. This is to emotionally decompress and receive knowledge of resources and skills that he can use in caring for Mary at home.

Intervention: Alzheimer’s support