Research Project

WAVE Program: Wellness Action Via Engagement for Older Family Caregivers

Health promotion initiative designed to support older family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focused on addressing both the physical and mental health needs of caregivers.

Principal Investigator
Hsieh, Kueifang (Kelly)
Start Date
2024-09-01
End Date
2029-08-31
Research Area(s)
Active Projects
Aging
DHD Research
Disability
Health Promotion
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Nutrition
Obesity and Diabetes
Participation Among People with Disabilities
Co-Investigators
Bhatt, Tanvi
Kitsiou, Spyros
Funding Source
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research; Family Support Research and Training Center

Abstract

This health promotion initiative is designed to support older family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It focuses on addressing both the physical and mental health needs of caregivers.

Caregivers of individuals with IDD face unique, long-term challenges, such as maintaining their health while caring for family members. This demographic often struggles with chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease and diabetes, and experiences higher stress and mental health concerns. The WAVE program, driven by Social Cognitive Theory, aims to improve caregivers’ physical activity, fitness and psychosocial well-being through virtual education, self-monitoring and social support interventions.

Key components:

Education & training: Caregivers will receive virtual sessions on physical activity, stress management and advocacy.

Self-monitoring: Participants will use Fitbit devices to track physical activity and receive feedback through the iCardia platform, encouraging accountability.

Social support: Caregivers will engage in peer-based support groups, facilitated through a private Fitbit community, to foster motivation and adherence to physical activity goals.

The program will test its intervention efficacy through a randomized controlled trial. The trial includes a 12-week intervention period and a two-month post-intervention follow-up to assess long-term adherence. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving virtual education and mobile health interventions (Fitbit, text messages, peer support) and a control group receiving only virtual education.

The study aims to:

Develop and refine a virtual and mobile health intervention protocol.

Improve physical activity, fitness, and well-being in caregivers.

Explore the long-term adherence and impact of the WAVE intervention.

WAVE seeks to empower caregivers to improve their health and reduce caregiving-related burdens by integrating technology, social support and personalized feedback. The project also places a special emphasis on recruiting diverse participants, including caregivers from underserved communities.

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