Establishing Empirically-Informed Practice With Caregivers: Findings From the CARES Program

Abstract

There is increasing interest in delivering efficacious interventions to caregivers. This study reports on the processes and findings from a modified approach of the Wraparound System of Care. The practice model is implemented over 4 phases and is based on 3 theoretical constructs and 10 principles. The evaluation utilized treatment fidelity measures and employed a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design to examine caregiver outcomes (N = 120). Findings suggest significant improvement among caregivers’ self-reported health, life satisfaction, well-being, and quality of life, as well as a reduction in caregiver risk and burden. Delineation of the processes used in the model are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• caregiving
• social work practice
• treatment fidelity

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author wishes to acknowledge the support of the following people involved with the CARES program at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Sarasota-Manatee, Incorporated: Rose Chapman, Phil Gorelick, Betsy Schwartz, Nicole Ziemba, Susan Haley, Tony Souza, and Charlene Monagas for their roles in developing and directing the program. A special thanks to Michael Marcus at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and national project evaluator Debra Sheets for their generous support and assistance.