WECAREADVISOR: CAREGIVER USE OF A DIGITAL PLATFORM TO MANAGE DEMENTIA-RELATED BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
2024

Using WeCareAdvisor to Help Caregivers Manage Dementia Symptoms

Sample size: 240 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Gitlin Laura, Davis Vincent, Bouranis Nicole, McClure Leslie, Kales Helen, Webster Melinda

Primary Institution: Drexel University

Hypothesis

Does the WeCareAdvisor platform improve caregiver wellbeing and management of dementia-related behavioral symptoms?

Conclusion

Caregivers used the WeCareAdvisor platform more effectively with high-intensity prompts compared to low-intensity prompts.

Supporting Evidence

  • Caregivers in the high-intensity prompt group had more DICE sessions compared to the low-intensity group.
  • Caregivers generated 82% more prescriptions in the high-intensity group.
  • Caregivers requested close to 3 times more additional strategies in the high-intensity group.

Takeaway

The WeCareAdvisor platform helps caregivers find ways to manage difficult behaviors in people with dementia, and they use it more when they get reminders.

Methodology

The study involved a randomized trial with caregivers using the WeCareAdvisor platform under two prompting conditions.

Limitations

Only 1/3 of caregivers evaluated the effectiveness of the strategies they used.

Participant Demographics

Caregivers of individuals with dementia, with a total of 240 participants.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2039

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