The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59638

Dan Kuhn, MSW¹, Linda Hollinger-Smith, PhD¹, Caryn D. Etkin, MPH², Mary Beth Hardy³, and David A. Lindeman, PhD¹. (1) Mather Institute on Aging, Mather LifeWays, 1603 Orrington Avenue, Suite 1800, Evanston, IL 60201, 847-0492-6813, dkuhn@matherlifeways.com, (2) Center for Research on Health and Aging, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 W. Jackson (M/C 275), Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607, (3) Community Memorial Foundation, 15 Spinning Wheel Road, Suite 326, Hinsdale, IL 60521

It is well known that caring for an older family member with a chronic illness such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or stroke is stressful and takes an enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll on caregivers. Through a matching grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging, Mather LifeWays is implementing an educational program in northeastern Illinois to reduce the stress of caregivers and increase confidence in their role. Though a train-the-trainer program known as Powerful Tools for Caregivers, over 140 Class Leaders have been trained to teach family caregivers six-weekly, two and one-half hour classes that focus on self-care, not the caregiving role. Over 1,000 caregivers have participated thus far in classes held at churches, community centers, assisted living facilities, and other venues throughout the city of Chicago and suburbs. Participants are asked to complete a confidential survey at four points in time: prior to the course, after the course, and 6 and 12 months thereafter. Various outcome measures will be explained and results of the program’s success in improving the emotional and physical well-being of caregivers will be examined. In addition, results of Class Leaders’ self-evaluation, Master Trainers’ observation of Class Leaders, and caregivers’ evaluation of Class Leaders will be discussed. The implementation and impact of Powerful Tools for Caregivers in a cohort of faith-based communities will also be examined. Finally, national replication strategies will be addressed.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the goals and understand the chief components of both programs,
• Understand the outcomes associated with participation by family caregivers,
• Recognize similarities and differences between program implementation in faith-based communities versus other communities,
• Identify options for local implementation and opportunities for community support.

Keywords: Caregivers, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.