Effects of the TCARE® intervention on caregiver burden and depressive symptoms: preliminary findings from a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES We examined the effects of a manualized care management protocol specifically designed for care managers working with caregivers, the Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral® (TCARE®) protocol, on caregiver identity discrepancy, burden, and depressive symptoms. METHODS Preliminary data from a longitudinal, randomized, controlled intervention study with 266 family caregivers served by 52 care managers in 4 states were analyzed using repeated measures random effects regression procedures. Caregivers in the intervention and control groups were repeatedly assessed for up to 9 months on caregiver identity discrepancy, 3 areas of caregiving burden-objective, relationship, and stress burdens; depression; and intention for nursing home placement. RESULTS We found significant group by time interaction effects for caregiver identity discrepancy, relationship burden, stress burden, depression, and intention for nursing home placement. Caregivers in the intervention group experienced significant improvement on these measures, whereas caregivers in the control group worsened on these measures over time. DISCUSSION The preliminary findings provide strong support for effectiveness of the TCARE® protocol on improving caregiver well-being and mental health outcomes.