Social Group Work With the Family Members of Elderly Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Controlled Evaluation

Abstract

The effects of three current social work treatments to improve the relationship between family members and their relatives who suffer from dementia were examined in a pretest-posttest control group experimental design. The interventions provided for family members were an educational approach, a supportive approach, and a combined approach. Relationship satisfaction was measured by a modified version of the Child's Attitude Toward Mother/Father Scale. The treatments, in order of effectiveness, were education, combination, and support. The use of these treatments as therapeutic modalities are discussed and implications for social work practice are considered