USE OF A CLOSED COMMUNICATION SERVICE FOR SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS TO IMPROVE THE WELL BEING OF A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER

摘要

Methods and systems for improving the well-being or reducing stress of a primary caregiver of an elder subject are provided. According to one embodiment, a communications network provides a closed communication service. A database is operable to store information regarding caregroup membership. One or more server computers coupled to the database are operable to receive from and distribute electronic communications among electronic communication access systems associated with members of a caregroup and a communication appliance associated with a target of the caregroup. The one or more server computers have stored therein one or more routines operable to facilitate and encourage one or more of affective communication, activity stimulating communication and intellectually stimulating communication among the members of the caregroup and the target of the caregroup as a method of improving well-being or reducing stress of a primary, residential caregiver of the target.