Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the real-world implementation of informal caregiver support program via text message

Few dementia caregiver support programs have been tested in real-world settings. We tested the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness (e.g., preparedness for caregiving) of the first short message service (SMS) texting program to support informal caregivers of people with dementia. We analyzed data from 147 caregivers of people with dementia participating in a service program. This program was a remote, asynchronous, and bidirectional texting program focused on dementia education, skill-building, and community resources that lasted six months. We measured outcomes via surveys and metrics of intervention usage over six months. Two caregivers experienced technical issues during the program, 12.9% unsubscribed, and 68.8% read most texts thoroughly. Most caregivers (64.3-75.9%) reported high or very high levels of acceptability. Levels of preparedness for caregiving and unmet needs improved from pre- to post-program testing. This real-world implementation of a texting caregiver support program led to improvements in caregiver outcomes.