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Caregiver Thrive, Learn, and Connect: Testing the Efficacy of an Online Psychoeducational Program for Family Caregivers

Study Results published in the Journal of Clinical Gerontologist

This RCT study reports on the efficacy of the Caregiver Thrive, Learn & Connect (CaregiverTLC) psychoeducational program to improve the caregivers' mental health. Results support the efficacy of the CaregiverTLC online program to significantly reduce depressive scores (d =.52) and improve self-efficacy levels (d =.51) among caregivers attending the program in comparison to caregivers in the waitlist control condition. In addition, caregivers in the intervention group reported significant reductions in levels of burden (d = .30) and anxiety (d=.29) as well as improvement in perceived positive aspects of caregiving (d = .27) compared to those in the wait list control condition. Findings also provide support for effective use of this program with caregivers of both White and Black racial/ethnic backgrounds, as well as with caregivers caring for a person with chronic health conditions or neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Caregiver TLC project. Since the COVID-19 pandemic developed across the globe including North Carolina, we have been impacted by social distance practices, limited personal interactions, remote teleworking and digital telehealth. Therefore, it is not surprising that caregivers, educators, and health professionals are turning to technology to help patients and their family caregivers to reduce their burden, stress, and depression and to preserve quality of life.

In response to these needs, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in collaboration with The Optimal Aging Center has developed the Caregiver Thrive, Learn, Connect (TLC) Program. Caregiver TLC offers FREE ONLINE support to CAREGIVERS providing care to people with memory loss, dementia or chronic health illness.

We would like to acknowledge and thank Southminster for the funding this program and their continued dedication to supporting healthy aging initiatives.

Welcome to Caregiver TLC Program

Home

You can participate in this program at home.

Technical Support

Technical support will be available to assist you with Zoom access and usage.

Free Virtual Program

The program includes free weekly video conference sessions.

Research Background

Dr. Julian Montoro-Rodriguez, Professor of Sociology and Gerontology, UNC Charlotte, has been conducting research over the past 20 years in aging, health, human development and family studies, which led to the developing this new online program together with Dr. Gallagher-Thompson, Stanford University School of Medicine Research Professor Emerita, and former director of the Stanford Geriatric Education Center.

Roots at Stanford University

Over 25 years, Dr. Gallagher-Thompson and associates have been conducting dementia caregiving research, which is applied in the Caregiver TLC program.

Free Online Support

Individuals

For caregivers supporting people with chronic conditions and disability.

Groups

Sessions led by trained facilitaors over video conferencing (Zoom).

Community

Virtual programming focused on education and community-building.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may be eligible if you provide care to a person with a chronic illness or memory loss, and could attend six weekly 2-hour virtual sessions. You need to have Internet connection, personal email address, and a computer, tablet, or smartphone. More information at fcrc.uncc.edu

Free Program

How do I register?

If you are interested in participating in the Caregiver TLC Program please visit us at fcrc.uncc.edu to complete a brief survey.