The impact of psychoeducational support groups on the psychological well-being of care partners of persons with early-stage dementia

This study used a qualitative approach to explore the psychological well-being of care partners (n = 12) who had completed the Take Charge Early Memory Loss Group. This group is an 8-week psychoeducational support group, offered through the Alzheimer's Association Orange County Chapter, for persons with early-stage dementia and their care partners. At the time of the study, all care partners were involved in a Continuation group offered by the Alzheimer's Association.;Three-fourths of those interviewed stated that they perceived that their participation in the Take Charge Early Memory Loss Group had a positive impact on their psychological well-being. Also, two-thirds of the participants reported that their stress level decreased as a result of participation in the Take Charge Early Memory Loss Group and two-thirds reported it improved their coping.;More research is needed examining the impact of psychoeducational support groups on the well-being of care partners.