CARING FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN AUSTRALIA - A MODEL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

The present paper describes and traces the emergence of an innovative psychoeducational model of support for family caregivers of dependent elderly persons, its associated systematic evaluation and leadership t raining process, provides details of a small group programme and its u nderlying philosophy, and reports on outcome evaluation research ascer tained from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses. Details o f these analyses are presented within the context provided by a three- level model of support, which recruits and trains professionals from a range of disciplines to help families in caregiving situations. The 7 2 treatment and 29 waiting-list control subjects were assessed at pret reatment and at posttest on measures of anxiety and psychological well -being. Statistically significant differences emerged between the trea tment and waiting-list control groups on these measures. Positive chan ges for programme participants were further demonstrated by contextual analysis of evaluative responses. Implications for practitioners, edu cators, and policy specialists, as well as for research and programme development are discussed.