Caregiver tele-support group for Parkinson's disease: A pilot study

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a disabling neurodegenerative disease that typically affects the geriatric population and requires a caregiver. Although caregiver burden reduces quality of life of the caregiver, support groups for caregivers have not been studied. Offering a tele-support group to PD caregivers would be an innovative approach to extending a novel resource.MethodsA single-center pilot study was conducted, enrolling caregivers in an 8-week tele-support group program. Mood state and caregiver burden were assessed at baseline and conclusion of the program using self-report questionnaires. Qualitative feedback was obtained at the conclusion of the program.ResultsSeven female spouse caregivers enrolled; 86% completed the program. Although no statistically significant changes in questionnaire scores were found, the mean Geriatric Depression Scale decreased from 4.2 to 3 and qualitative feedback was universally positive.ConclusionsThe use of tele-support groups for PD caregivers is a feasible and innovative resource to address caregiver burden.