Depression training program for caregivers of elderly care recipients - Implementation and qualitative evaluation

The prevalence of untreated depression is high among older adults who receive care in residential facilities or in their own homes and is associated with reduced quality of life and other medical conditions. Research has suggested a number of reasons for the low detection and treatment rates for this problem, including lack of knowledge and efficacy among those who provide direct care and poor communication between these caregivers and senior staff, and between senior staff and general practitioners. In this study, we report on the implementation of a training program for care staff that aims to address these issues. Focus groups with participants who completed the training indicated a high level of satisfaction with the program and reported improvements in knowledge, self-efficacy, and communication within services. It is recommended that the program be more systematically evaluated in relation to its longer term effects on care provider practices and the well-being of depressed elderly care recipients.