Research Project
Florida Strive to Thrive
The Strive to Thrive project in Florida is a pilot study that uses a mixed-methods approach—including an environmental scan, focus groups, and a statewide survey—to understand and address the unique needs of aging family caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving as the foundation for a newly expanded national study.
- Principal Investigator
- Murthy, Sumithra
- Start Date
- 2023-05-15
- End Date
- 2025-05-14
- Research Area(s)
- Active Projects
- Aging
- DHD Research
- Disability
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Participation Among People with Disabilities
- Qualitative Research
- Funding Source
- Florida Developmental Disabilities Council; Strive to Thrive: Supporting Families Across the Aging and DD Networks Contract # 5076AC24B
Abstract
The Strive to Thrive project in Florida serves as an initial pilot study aimed at understanding and addressing the unique needs of aging family caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Funded by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, the project explores the challenges faced by caregivers and identifies gaps in existing support systems.
Through a mixed-methods approach, the Florida study engaged caregivers, service providers, and key stakeholders to capture diverse perspectives and develop tailored strategies for enhancing family support. This pilot initiative included three key components: a) an environmental scan of the research literature, resulting in a report which identified gaps and opportunities for improvements in family support, b) Focus groups with 20 aging family caregivers and 20 individuals with IDD, which will be qualitatively analyzed, and c) a statewide survey of aging family caregivers determining what helps them to thrive as well as their current met and unmet needs.
Building on the Florida pilot, the project has now expanded into a national study. With new funding, Strive to Thrive aims to include participants across the United States, further exploring regional and cultural variations in caregiver experiences while informing policies and programs that promote equitable, family-centered support systems.
https://www.fddc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Strive-to-Thrive-EnvironmentalScan-Final-12.20.23.pdf