3 research outputs found
START-online: acceptability and feasibility of an online intervention for carers of people living with dementia
BACKGROUND: With increasing numbers of people living with dementia relying on family to care for them at home, there is an urgent need for practical and evidence-based programs to support carers in maintaining their mental health and well-being. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a modified STrAtegies for RelaTives (START) program delivered online (START-online). METHOD: A mixed-methods non-blinded evaluation of START-online (using Zoom as videoconferencing platform) for acceptability and feasibility (completion rates and qualitative feedback through surveys and focus groups) and quantitative evaluation. This occurred at the National Ageing Research Institute, in metropolitan Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eligible carers were referred, 20 (70%) consented to the study. Of these, 16 (80%) completed all 8 sessions, 2 completed only 3 sessions, and 2 withdrew. Carers' qualitative feedback indicated that the therapist interaction was valued, content and online delivery of the program was acceptable. Feedback was mixed on the appropriate stage of caring. CONCLUSION: START-online was feasible and acceptable for carers, including those living outside of metropolitan areas who might otherwise be unable to access face-to-face programs. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitating social distancing to avoid infection, interventions such as this one have increasing relevance in the provision of flexible services
Healthy ageing literature review
In August 2012 the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and the Council on the Ageing (COTA) completed the Healthy ageing literature review for the Department of Health on evidence for effective strategies to promote healthy ageing. The review includes an overview of Australian and Victorian health policy and demographic context. It then discusses the evidence for various determinants of healthy ageing including healthy lifestyle factors and age-friendly environments. Finally it examines the strategies that have been used to promote healthy ageing in various settings and presents the current evidence base in relation to the effectiveness of these strategies for promoting health with older people. As this report is for the Department of Health it has a focus on issues that the department is able to contribute to addressing. While this report acknowledges and identifies the many broad issues affecting healthy ageing, the strategies reviewed and identified relate to the areas that the Department of Health is most able to influence