Therapies may be evaluated in combination or comparatively to determine treatment effects. Commonly, studies combine educational and support interventions into a single treatment program to improve caregiver outcomes. This is particularly beneficial because caregivers face diverse challenges, and a multimodal intervention can target more areas than a singular intervention program.

Smith et al. (2006) found that home-based community rehabilitation services for individuals with ABI resulted in more favourable outcomes for carers in terms of fulfilled family needs and family functioning when compared to traditional outpatient services. Bowen et al. (2001) compared timing of intervention and found that early access to a multidisciplinary team was more effective for informing caregivers but did not reduce levels of distress compared to late access. However, both late and early access were significantly more effective than no access to the support team. It is imperative that caregivers be made aware of available services, as it has been shown to help caregivers feel better prepared for the future and feel less distressed (Bowen et al., 2001).

Kreutzer et al. (2009) studied families who participated in a Brain Injury Family Intervention program that focused on cognitive behavioural therapy and education on family dynamics (e.g., managing stress). The authors found that family members benefited in terms of meeting needs and overcoming service obstacles, although the program did not strongly improve their family functioning, life satisfaction, or psychological well-being. In another study involving participants of the same intervention program, caregivers perceived the intervention as helpful and agreed that their program goals were met. Furthermore, a more recent study of the Brain Injury Family Intervention reported that the program significantly reduced caregiver burden and improved met family needs and satisfaction with services relative to pre-treatment (Kreutzer et al., 2015).

Powell et al. (2016) reported that caregivers receiving a telehealth self-management intervention, comprised of education and mentored problem-solving, showed improved coping ability and psychological well-being, when compared to usual care. In a follow-up to this study, Powell et al. (2017) reported that, 6 months post ABI, caregivers were able to increase their involvement in recreational and professional endeavors. At this time, continuing concerns expressed by caregivers included emotional adjustment, time management, and creating healthy habits (Powell et al., 2017).

There is level 2 evidence (from one randomized controlled trial; Kreutzer et al., 2015) and level 4 evidence (from one pre-post study; Kreutzer et al., 2009) that the Brain Injury Family Intervention may improve met family needs and satisfaction with services and reduce burden in caregivers of individuals with TBI.

There is level 1b evidence (from one randomized controlled trial; Powell et al., 2016) that a telehealth self-management program combining education and mentored problem-solving may improve coping and psychological well-being compared to usual care in caregivers of individuals with TBI.

There is level 3 evidence (from one case control study; Smith et al., 2006) that community-based rehabilitation for the individual with an ABI may be more effective than traditional outpatient services in benefiting caregivers of individuals post ABI by improving levels of met family needs and reducing family dysfunction.

There is level 2 evidence (from one prospective controlled trial; Bowen et al., 2001) that early or late access to a head injury team intervention may reduce distress compared to no intervention in caregivers of individuals with TBI.

There is level 2 evidence (from one prospective controlled trial; Kreutzer et al., 2010) that a structured family intervention program with educational, skill building, and psychological support components may improve goal attainment in individuals with moderate to severe ABI and their caregivers.

There is level 4 evidence (from one pre-post study; Gerber & Gargaro, 2015) that a day program for individuals with mild, moderate and severe TBI and their caregivers may reduce caregiver burden.

Various multimodal interventions may benefit caregivers of individuals with ABI.