Abstract
Problem Significance Caregiver depression is an emerging public health issue that experts anticipate growing as the U.S. population ages and the number of caregivers per care recipient declines. Approximately one in five caregivers experience depression, which affects their daily life and quality-adjusted life expectancy. Females comprise over half of all caregivers, and depression outcomes worsen as income decreases. Stanislaus County houses the highest percentage of informal family and friend caregivers and faces steep older adult population projections in the future.
Analysis and Objectives This project aims to decrease caregiver depression among low-income female informal caregivers of older adults in Stanislaus County, CA. Factors at multiple socioecological levels influence caregiver depression. Therefore, the program focuses on decreasing participants’ depression symptoms by addressing multiple contributory factors.
Intervention (Solution) Proposal The proposed intervention is a three-month caregiver support program featuring recreational and health education activities focused on increasing caregiver social support, social participation, and resilience.
Recommendations and Conclusions Caregiver support program prioritization is imperative to meet the needs of a growing caregiving population. Support programs will help to prevent caregiver depression in a group crucial to the future.