Enhancing Self‐Efficacy in Older Family Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Pretest‐Posttest Pilot Study

Background This study examined the effects of an adapted Savvy Caregiver Program on older family caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Method A non‐randomised pretest‐posttest pilot study was conducted with caregivers aged ≥ 60 years assigned to an intervention group ( n = 52) or a comparison group receiving usual support ( n = 51). Outcomes included the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self‐Efficacy (primary), coping strategies, social support, burden and functional limitations. Intervention effects were examined using ANCOVA and correlation analyses. Results A significant intervention effect emerged for self‐efficacy related to obtaining respite, with higher posttest scores in the intervention group. Significant group effects were also observed for problem‐solving coping and avoidance strategies and caregiver burden. A significant group × baseline interaction was identified for positive‐attitude coping. Correlations highlighted significant associations between self‐efficacy, social support and burden. Conclusions An adapted intervention may enhance specific dimensions of caregiving self‐efficacy and coping among older family caregivers.