The STAR-Caregivers

Purpose

The STAR-Caregivers (STAR-C) program is a systematic training program (also known as the Seattle Protocols), based largely on social learning theory, focused on improving the functioning of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Strategy

Caregivers are taught to monitor problems, to identify environmental triggers for behavioral problems, and to develop effective methods to alter the environment to decrease disruptive problems. Caregivers are also taught to identify pleasurable activities for the care recipient as a means of decreasing care recipient depression.

Target Population

Dementia caregivers are the focus of the intervention, but the program involves training for community consultants to be able to deliver the interventions.

Research Outcomes

STAR-C intervention produces benefits for both the caregiver and care recipient, improving caregiver depression, reducing burden, improving sleep, lessening subjective ratings of burden, improving caregiver reaction to behavioral problems, improving care recipient quality of life and memory-related behavioral problems. The STAR-C program has been successfully taught to community consultants, providing evidence that it can be disseminated into diverse community settings.

Outcomes Research References

Teri, L., McCurry, S. M., Logsdon, R., & Gibbons, L. E. (2005). Training community consultants to help family members improve dementia care: a randomized controlled trial. The Gerontologist, 45, 802–811.

Resources on How to Do It

For more information about STAR-C or to obtain a STAR-C manual, contact Linda Teri, PhD, at the University of Washington, by e-mail