A Paradigm Shift in Caregiver Preparation: From Information Provision to Enhanced Collaborative Care-element Optimization (ECCO)

A much-lauded method for improving the quality of life for persons with dementia is the training of caregivers, primarily through classroom instruction,1,2 in preparation for work in long-term care facilities, adult daycare centers, and private residences in the community. However, various studies have shown that the effectiveness of such training is limited or nil (eg, Lamppu et al,3 Surr et al4), or that the measured outcome is not staff caregiving behavior or older care-recipient well-being, but rather, staff knowledge, attitudes, satisfaction with training, or similar outcomes (eg, Parks et al,5 Pleasant et al6), which are not likely to affect or reflect improvement in caregiver practices.