Evaluating a Community-Based Family Caregiver Training Program

This mixed-methods, time series study investigated the effectiveness of a Family Caregiver Training Program offered by a community-based agency. The training program and the impact of the training program on the family caregivers of older community dwelling adults were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures. Program evaluation results were used to revise and develop a Family Caregiver Training Program responsive to needs of the caregivers. There was a significant difference on the overall Adapted Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale that measured caregiver burden, satisfaction, mastery, impact, and demand among three survey points. These positive results demonstrated effectiveness of the Family Caregiver Training Program. An added benefit was the socialization that occurred through meeting with other family caregivers who shared the same experiences.