The Dementia Caregiver Toolbox: a synchronous video pilot intervention to boost role preparedness and self-efficacy

Most dementia caregivers receive no formal training. Although dementia caregivers want information to help them prepare for their new role, they often have difficulty finding the information they seek. The Dementia Caregiver Toolbox, a structured, synchronous 10-week telehealth intervention, was designed to boost dementia caregiver role preparedness and self-efficacy by providing broad education about dementia, introduction to skills to help caregivers provide care, and information about available dementia caregiver resources. In this pilot study, we evaluated feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of The Dementia Caregiver Toolbox using a single-arm design. Of 48 eligible dementia caregivers, 32 enrolled in the intervention and 22 completed all data collection sessions. Self-reported satisfaction was high for all aspects of the caregiver experience. Role preparedness and self-efficacy increased from baseline to post-treatment, with medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.74 and d = 0.94, respectively). The current results provide preliminary support for a synchronous video intervention for dementia caregivers.