Training Caregivers in Occupational Therapy Skills to Increase the Functional Independence of At-Risk Elderly and to Decrease Elderly and Caregiver Stress

摘要

The demonstration project was designed to train caregivers in occupational therapy skills, to increase the functional independence of at-risk elderly, and decrease the stress for both the elderly and caregiver. Project staff delivered an intervention program and assessed its effectiveness using just under 100 elderly people and their caregivers. The criteria for the project specified that the elderly clients be living in the community, receiving most or all of their caregiving from an unpaid family member or friend, and be of sufficient mental and intellectual stability to be able to participate and potentially benefit from the inhouse intervention. Findings revealed that the intervention had a positive impact even though reduced stress was reported for only a few caregivers. Directories give information on support and service groups in the Baltimore area.