Two approaches to group psychotherapy for the noninstitutionalized elderly are described and compared. One paradigm was based upon a behavioral orientation while the other was insight-oriented. The group treated with an insight orientation showed greater overall improvement, although only one measured difference was statistically significant.…

Discusses work with small groups of care-taking relatives of frail, dependent older adults. Considers repetitive themes of concern expressed by the caregivers and their dependent relatives and some of the changes in attitudes and approaches of participants during and after the groups' experiences. (Author)

Patients (n=45), ages 61-89, were assessed after 36 months of day treatment by the private Adult Day Treatment Center. It appears selective combinations of day treatment, group process, and group therapy offer an approach to the reduction of anxiety, the improvement of interpersonal relationships, and the maintenance of independent living. (Author)

Evaluated the effectiveness of group interventions for caregivers of elderly dementia patients. Indicated that, although caregivers rated the groups as quite helpful, group participation did not lead to improvements on objective measures of depression, life satisfaction, social support, or coping variables. (Author/ABB)

Examined effects of short-term, family-oriented supportive therapy program for older veterans with anxiety, depression, or impaired coping mechanisms. Improvement in coping and social skills was noted for program participants, but morale scores improved only for those with normal initial scores, suggesting program is useful only as adjunctive…

Surveyed patients (N=183) aged 55 and older on their current level of psychiatric distress and preferences for psychological services. Seventy-nine percent stated they would use any psychological services presented to them. Few said they would attend group psychotherapy but more than half said they would attend psychoeducational classes. Discusses…

Describes the rationale, design, and implementation of a support and education group for parents caring for disabled children in later life. Parents encountered peers facing similar challenges. The experience of this group intervention strategy provides insights into the needs and strengths of a neglected segment of the caregiving population. (RJM)

Conducted longitudinal follow-up to previously published experimental study of effectiveness of group intervention for dementia family caregivers. Found methodological and clinical issues relevant to future studies included issues of differential attrition from treatment, selection of participants,and need for measures appropriate to long-term…

Self-help groups of elderly persons (N=42), who had been blind for several years, met by phone for short-term problem solving and discussion of coping methods. Results indicated task-centered assignments helped the majority meet their goal of decreasing feelings of hopelessness and increasing social activities outside of the home. (Author)

Used a group approach for working with families of the elderly as an effective treatment tool for adults who were responsible for aging family members. The group process encouraged information sharing, support, and working through emotional and practical problems associated with care of the elderly. (Author/JAC)

Presents a case study demonstrating successful behavioral treatment of a depressed older man using group and conjoint therapy. Two major issues in dealing with the aged are addressed: dealing with resistance to therapy, and distinguishing between disability due to organic brain syndrome and that due to depression. (Author/RC)

Purpose: The neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease are a major contributor to caregiver distress and burden. Despite recent efforts to teach caregivers skills to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms and reduce burden, there continues to be limited evidence that these strategies have helped caregivers of individuals with…

Purpose: This study examines the short-term impact of two theoretically based psychoeducational small group interventions with distressed caregivers, and it also examines the role of specific moderator and mediator variables on caregiver outcomes. Design and Methods: Female participants (N = 169) aged 50 and older who were caring for a…