How was the Program developed?
The Stanford Patient Education Research Center received a grant from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to develop and pilot test a program for caregivers of people with brain injury or impairment. Either the caregiver or the care partner were veterans. Using what was learned from our other online studies and information from the VA and caregivers, the workshop was developed using the Healthier Living With Ongoing Health Problems model.
How was the Program evaluated?
Sixty caregivers enrolled in the online Building Better Caregivers pilot program and study. Baseline and three-month questionnaires measured overall health, caregiver burden, depression, pain, stress, and self-efficacy.
What were the results?
Caregivers showed significant reductions in caregiver burden, depression, pain and stress. Caregiver self-efficacy and two exercise measures improved. The care partners’ overall health improved. The program successfully reached rural residents and participation was high. The Building Better Caregivers program was acceptable to caregivers, whose health, emotional health and health behaviors improved. Caregivers successfully participated in the program.
Is the Program being offered?
The Building Better Caregivers program is licensed to Canary Health, and is being offered to U.S. Armed Forces veterans through the V.A. Caregiver Support Program. If you are a participant and would like to take part in a workshop, please email va@buildingbettercaregivers.org