Effects of Telephone Counseling on Burnout, Depression, Life Satisfaction, and Perceived Health in Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia

Lee, Hae Jung; Kim, Ki Ryeon; Seo, Ji Min

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of telephonic counseling on burnout, depression, life satisfaction, and perceived physical health among family caregivers of older adults with dementia. METHOD: Subjects were randomly assigned into telephonic counseling group (n=21) and the comparison group (n=32). A weekly telephone counseling was conducted by research assistants for 12 weeks. T-test were used to answer the research questions. RESULT: 1) There were no significant differences between the two groups on the level of burnout, depression, life satisfaction, and perceived physical health after telephone counseling. 2) Spouse caregivers under the telephone counseling tended to report higher perceived physical health than comparison group at the post-test (t=-1.88, p=.08). Spouse caregivers under the telephone counseling tended to report higher emotional exhaustion and lower feeling of self achievement. 3) Daughter-in-law caregivers under telephone counseling showed increased feeling of self achievement, improved physical health condition, and decreased depression.
CONCLUSION
This study showed potential effects of the problem-solving telephone counseling to improve perceived physical health and to reduce the level of burnout and depression. The findings suggest the necessity of screening most vulnerable subgroups of caregivers to increase the effectiveness of nursing intervention such as telephone counseling.