Promoting healthful self-care among caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients
This project is developing a web-based program focused on promoting self-care and coping among informal caregivers of a relative with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The program will deliver recommendations on information of most relevance to users following assessments of their caregiving situation and current stressors. The program will be designed to provide users with the information, skills, and tools needed to promote their own health and wellbeing. Materials will be multi-modal in format (e.g., narration, visuals, graphics, interactive assessments with feedback, and tailoring of information). It will also incorporate a responsive web design allowing access from a range of personal devices. The goal of the program will be to promote active coping and reduce the incidence of negative health consequences experienced by many caregivers. Upon successful development and testing of the program a broad-based commercialization plan will be initiated. Markets for the program include large insurers/managed behavioral health organizations and providers of services to informal caregivers.