Establishing empirically-informed practice with caregivers: findings from the CARES program.

Area of Science:

• Caregiver interventions
• Systems of care models
• Mental health support

Background:

• Growing need for effective caregiver interventions.
• Limited research on modified Wraparound System of Care for caregivers.
• Importance of addressing caregiver well-being and burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a modified Wraparound System of Care for caregivers.
• To examine the impact of the intervention on caregiver outcomes.
• To present the processes and findings of the practice model.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design.
• Utilized treatment fidelity measures.
• Evaluated outcomes in 120 caregivers.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in caregiver self-reported health.
• Increased life satisfaction, well-being, and quality of life.
• Reduced caregiver risk and burden.

Conclusions:

• The modified Wraparound System of Care is an efficacious intervention for caregivers.
• The model positively impacts multiple dimensions of caregiver well-being.
• The study provides a framework for implementing and evaluating caregiver support systems.