Preliminary Evidence for Lasting Benefits One Year Following Mindfulness Training Among Older Family Caregivers of Persons with Neurodegenerative Disease

Univariate analyses failed to detect a significant between-groups difference at 12 months post program. Paired sample t-tests revealed maintenance of within-group benefits for distress and depressive symptoms in the MT group such that mean scores at 12 months did not differ from post-intervention scores but did differ from pre-intervention scores. Additional within-group gains were found for the MT group such that caregiver burden at 12 months significantly differed from pre- and post-intervention burden score. Thematic analysis of transcripts revealed four themes: do what works and what fits; moving beyond the program; ability to return; and continued struggle and need for support. Qualitative analyses suggest that continued practice of mindfulness maps onto perceptions of wellness 12 months later.