JOAN’S WEEKEND BLOG – MAY 16/17, 2009 –NEW DEPRESSION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – YOU CAN HELP

My thanks to all of you who have been willing to participate. The response has been so overwhelming that I am leaving this up through the weekend. Stay tuned for information about behind the scenes activity at The Alzheimer Spouse.

Depression?  Do we have caregiver depression? Sometimes, often, always? Are we interested in managing our depression?  The Oregon Center for Applied Science is trying to develop an interactive computer program that will help us dementia caregivers manage our moods and depression. We can help them by participating in a 60 minute telephone interview or filling out a 60 minute online survey. And be paid $75 for our time.

I spoke to one of the researchers on Thursday and I agreed to participate. From the information that she shared with me, it sounded like a good opportunity to not only express our caregiving frustrations, but offer advice as to what we need in the way of improving our moods and stress .

As most of you are aware, we women are fairly open and verbal concerning our moods, depression, stress, and a lot of other issues, but the men tend to be a bit quieter. This research welcomes women participants, BUT THEY NEED MEN!  I promised the researcher that I would do my part to recruit the guys. How about it guys?

Honestly, I cannot imagine anything at this point that would reduce my depression/stress besides winning a multi-million dollar lottery or discovering a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. However, I do believe that all of us have a tremendous reserve of experience, information, and advice that could benefit those developing this program.

Below is the e-mail I received from the Evaluation Coordinator with their website and phone number. I figure those who wish to participate have nothing to lose, and will get an unprecedented opportunity to spread the word about the monumental toll dementia caregiving takes on the physical, mental, and emotional health of those who are engaged in it.

Hi Joan,
I work for the Oregon Center for Applied Science (ORCAS), a public health research company that makes computer programs to help people improve their lives. We are beginning development of a new computer program designed to help family caregivers who are caring for a loved one with dementia. We would like to ask a group of caregivers in this situation to help with this formative phase by giving us their input regarding their experiences and how those experiences impact their mood. The interview will take about an hour and can be done on the phone or over the internet at their convenience. Qualified participants will receive $75 for their time. This input is crucial in developing a worthwhile, evidence-based program. Those interested can go to study.TheMoodManager.com to see if they qualify or call the number below. We are especially interested in talking with male caregivers as we have not had any contact us to participate and need to gather their experiences as well.

Kelly Whitehouse
Evaluation Coordinator
541.349.4837
866.822.0226

Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com

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