Education Support for Caregiver Stress

Overseen By Sheria G Robinson-Lane, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: None

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 6 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new program designed to support Black family caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias. The program aims to help caregivers manage their health better, increase confidence in their caregiving roles, and find positive aspects in their caregiving experience. Participants will receive six weeks of educational support, including weekly video calls and informative handouts. Suitable candidates are those who identify as Black or African American, care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, and have regular access to a smartphone or computer for online sessions. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance support for caregivers.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on educational support rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this education support is safe for caregivers?

Research has shown that educational support for caregivers is generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that these programs can help lower stress and improve caregivers' quality of life. In one study, caregivers who participated in an educational program felt less overwhelmed and more supported by their community.

Another study found that caregivers learned better skills and gained knowledge, which helped them handle their duties more effectively and reduced their stress. These findings suggest that educational support is not only safe but also beneficial for caregivers' overall well-being.

No major safety issues or negative effects have been reported in these educational programs, making them a promising option for caregivers seeking help in managing their health and caregiving responsibilities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Education Support for Caregiver Stress because it offers a fresh approach to alleviating caregiver burden through structured support and education. Unlike traditional options that might focus primarily on counseling or medication, this program emphasizes active engagement through weekly video or teleconference calls, allowing caregivers to connect and learn in real-time. Additionally, the provision of educational handouts targets specific challenges caregivers face, offering practical solutions and knowledge to reduce stress effectively. This personalized and interactive method has the potential to empower caregivers, providing them with tools and community support that current treatments may lack.

What evidence suggests that this education support is effective for caregiver stress?

Research has shown that educational programs can greatly benefit caregivers. For instance, one study found that the "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" program significantly reduced stress and feelings of depression in caregivers, while also boosting their confidence in caregiving. Another program, "Caring for the Caregiver," reduced stress and improved the support caregivers received from others. These findings suggest that educational support, similar to what participants in this trial will receive, can help caregivers manage stress and feel more capable. While not all programs directly improve physical and mental health, they do help caregivers feel less overwhelmed and more supported in their roles. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Black/African American caregivers, aged 18 or older, who help older adults with Alzheimer's or related dementias. Participants must be able to communicate in English and have regular access to a device with internet for video calls.

Inclusion Criteria

I help with daily tasks or care for someone in need.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a peer-supportive and facilitator-led video teleconference program over 6 weeks, receiving culturally relevant caregiving or personal health strategies

6 weeks

6 weekly video/teleconference calls

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver self-efficacy and positive aspects of caregiving

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Education Support
• Phone Call

Trial Overview The ACE Project tests an educational support intervention aimed at improving the health of Black family caregivers by teaching them effective stress management and caregiving skills through community-preferred methods.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Caregiver Support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants in all groups will receive 6 weeks of caregiving support including a weekly video/teleconference call, and handouts covering relevant educational topics)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7302999/

Effectiveness of Powerful Tools for Caregivers on ... We found that PTC was effective in reducing caregiver burden (d=−0.48) and depressive symptoms (d=−0.53), increasing self-efficacy (d=0.68), but had no ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197457225003568

Impact of a community-based educational intervention on ... Results. The “Caring for the Caregiver” program reduced caregiver burden and improved social support but did not significantly affect physical and mental health ...

3. bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-024-01709-2

Effect of a supportive-educational program, based on COPE ... The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the supportive-educational program, based on the COPE (creativity, optimism, planning and expert ...

4. acl.gov acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2018-12/Caregiver_Outcome_Evaluation_Final_Report.pdf

Outcome Evaluation of the National Family Caregiver ... caregiver burden and that education and training services can lead to greater caregiver confidence over time. Additionally, the evaluation ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8205323/

Caregiver Burden - PubMed Central - NIH The aim of this pretest–posttest designed study was to evaluate changes in caregiver burden after providing an educational intervention to those caring for PWD ...

6. bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/9/1/e003610

a cross-sectional study of caregiver burden among those ... This study provides new insights into the caregiving burden among Jordanian caregivers, highlighting the emotional, social and economic impacts ...

7. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2025.2548017?src=

Role of learning experiences of care knowledge and skills ... Informal caregivers often lack the necessary knowledge and skills to provide optimal care, which can lead to increased caregiver burden, stress, and burnout ( ...

8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2665/

Supporting Family Caregivers in Providing Care - NCBI - NIH Research supporting this caregiver-as-client perspective focuses on ways to protect family caregivers' health and safety.