Browsing by Subject "caregiver"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Caregiver-Focused Evaluations to Assist Therapists in Addressing Family Mealtime Stress: A Doctoral Capstone Project
    (2022-05-02) Lentz, Jordan N.; Chase, Tony; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Wasemann, Colleen
    This paper will discuss the doctoral capstone process and evaluate the findings of a quality improvement project focused on implementing mealtime-focused assessments with caregivers for therapists to better address the mealtime stress of families, thus creating caregiver-focused evaluations. Before beginning this study, a needs assessment was conducted at Feeding Friends, a pediatric feeding clinic in Indianapolis, to identify gaps in caregiver-focused evaluations within this organization. From there, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to further examine assessments and evidence-based strategies used in therapy to address mealtime stress in families of children with disabilities. Finally, a 14-week study took place examining the effectiveness of two different mealtime-focused assessments in better informing therapists of caregiver stress during the mealtime process. The therapists then completed pre-and post-surveys allowing the researchers to gather information regarding the use of the assessments as well as potential sustainability plans. Through these assessments, therapists successfully applied results to clinical practice while better addressing communication, goal development, and guidance with caregivers; therefore, resulting in improved caregiver-focused evaluations. Overall, therapists found the Wasemann Confidence Rating Scale to be the most beneficial assessment in achieving this goal.
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    Promoting Family Engagement in a Community Setting for Children Impacted by the Substance Use Disorder of a Family Member
    (2024-05) Greenwell, Conner; Belkiewitz, Johnna; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; McFadden, Rachel
    Individuals caring for children impacted by the substance use disorder of a family member are often less able to participate in valued occupations, specifically social participation, and they lack a community in which they feel supported and understood. The capstone student collaborated with Camp Mariposa Aaron’s Place in Indianapolis, IN and Mitchell, IN, with the purpose of promoting family and peer engagement for caregivers of children who attend this program. The student identified a gap in current research on how to best support caregivers of children affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. The main component of this project was evaluation and further development of Camp Village Council, a support program for family members of children who attend Camp Mariposa Aaron’s Place. The student created an intervention binder, educational modules, and educational handouts to promote connectedness between group members and to provide caregivers with an improved ability to carry over what kids are learning at camp into the home. Another component of this project was supplemental programming of family events to promote family engagement. Overall, results suggest that groups facilitated by the student and materials created by the student had a positive impact on the Camp Village Council participants and program as a whole. Results were mixed on the impact of supplemental programming.
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    Tracking Patterns of Needs During a Telephone Follow-up Program for Family Caregivers of Persons with Stroke
    (Taylor and Francis, 2016-09) Bakas, Tamilyn; Jessup, Nenette M.; McLennon, Susan M.; Habermann, Barbara; Weaver, Michael T.; Morrison, Gwendolyn; Economics, School of Liberal Arts
    Purpose Programs that address stroke family caregiver needs and skill-building are recommended based on the literature and patient care guidelines for stroke rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to explore patterns of perceived needs and skill-building during a stroke caregiver intervention program. Method Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data from 123 stroke caregivers enrolled in the intervention group of a randomized controlled clinical trial. Caregivers received 8 weekly telephone sessions, with a booster session a month later. At each session, the Caregiver Needs and Concerns Checklist (CNCC) was used to identify and prioritize current needs that were then addressed through skill-building strategies. Results Perceived needs changed over time. Information about stroke was the highest priority need during Session 1. Managing survivor emotions and behaviors was the highest priority for Sessions 2 through 4. Caregivers generally waited until Sessions 5 through 9 to address their own emotional and physical health needs. Physical and instrumental care needs were relatively low but stable across all 9 sessions. Skill-building was consistently high, though it peaked during Sessions 2 and 3. Conclusions Tracking patterns of needs and skill-building suggest appropriate timing for targeting different types of family caregiver support during stroke rehabilitation.