AN INTERVENTION THAT DELAYS INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE PATIENTS - TREATMENT OF SPOUSE-CAREGIVERS

Spouse-caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients were randomly assign ed to either a treatment group (individual and family counseling, supp ort group participation, and ad hoc consultation) or a control group ( only routine support). In the first year after intake, the treatment g roup had less than half as many nursing home placements as the control group. This suggests that a comprehensive counseling program can redu ce the socioeconomic impact of Alzheimer's disease. Nursing home place ment also was affected by the patient's need for assistance with activ ities of daily living, patient income, and the age of the patients and caregivers.