A Telecare-based Intervention in Reducing Stress Level of Informal Caregivers of Community-dwelling Older Adults

The primary caregivers of older adults provide intimate and immediate support when their loved one is in urgent need. Due to the full-time commitment in a caregiving role, the caregiver may not have extra time to join the onsite community services that are available to them in the daytime. With the support of advanced technology, telecare seems to be a convenient and easily accessible channel to provide individualized caregiving advice to the caregivers. This study examines the effectiveness of a telecare-based intervention programme for caregivers.

Inclusion Criteria:people who are aged ≥18 years oldunderstand and communicate in Cantoneseprovide care to the older adults aged ≥60 at least 4 hours per week for a minimum of 3 monthssmartphone user and know how to access the Internetcommit to attend bi-weekly, 15-30mins online meetings with the program providers over the 3-month periodwilling to receive individual-specific video messages covering caregiving skills via WhatsAppExclusion Criteria:alcoholic drinkers or psychiatric drug usersilliterate (inability to write and read)having psychiatric problemshaving cognitive impairment as evidenced by scoring 22 or above in Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessmentalready participated in other telecare health or social programs