Promoting healthful self-care among informal caregivers
This project is developing a web-based program focused on promoting self-care among working informal caregivers of an adult relative. The program will deliver custom information to users following assessments of their needs and personal situation. The program will be designed to provide informal working caregivers with the information, skills, and tools needed to promote their own health and well-being. 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 positive health behaviors such as healthy lifestyle practices, stress management and active problem solving and reduce the incidence of stress, depressed mood and physical symptoms 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 workplaces, large insurers/managed behavioral health organizations, and providers of services to informal caregivers.