Telecommunication interventions for caregivers of elders with dementia

Caregiver Interventions via Telecommunications (CIT) is designed for family caregivers of elders with dementia. Building on Riegel's dialectical theory of human development, the authors argue that psychotherapeutic interventions, made highly accessible by telecommunication technology, assist caregivers to achieve positive developmental outcomes. Specific components of CIT are described, and an outline for a structured protocol is provided. Advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of telecommunications therapy are discussed.