Promotion of healthy families and healthy communities with a caring for caregivers program

An important challenge of 21st Century America is the aging of the population and the resultant increase in the number of chronically ill persons from a variety of causes. More than 22 million people nationwide provide informal care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member in the home delivering more than 75% of care provided for these individuals. Caregivers who live in rural areas face additional challenges due to fewer transportation options, limited access to medical professionals, lower incomes, and fewer support systems. The negative effects of long-term caregiving have resulted in the need for more effective evidence-based programs to improve caregiver health and quality of life as well as caregiver effectiveness. There has been limited attention to population-based outcomes of caregiving support.

This presentation will describe a state-wide caregiver education program implemented through a University Extension system. Over 150 predominately rural caregivers were assessed pre and post a workshop and at 3 and 6 months follow-up for changes in their caregiving involvement, services used, distress, reactions to caregiving and quality of life. Results suggest local caregiver workshops are an effective method of providing information and skill building to caregivers. Factors related to changes in caregiving outcomes will be presented. Policy and program implications of using a University extension system to improve the knowledge and skills of caregivers and caregiver outcomes will be discussed.