Caregivers of People With Disabilities: A Program to Enhance Wellness Self-Care

Background: Caregivers are a source of support for family members with disabilities. However, caregivers are at risk for caregiver burden, which can erode self-care skills and lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. Caregiver Wellness Self-Care, developed to address that risk, is a 5-week group program in which participants learn about strategies that cultivate their inner resources, while connecting with others for support. Wellness, self-care, mindfulness, and yoga-based information and practices are taught in the sessions and included in participant handouts. Self-reflection and planning activities with facilitated discussions further support awareness and personal transformation. Methods: Designed by and for people providing care to an adult family member with a mental health disorder and a developmental/intellectual disability, the program was piloted three times. Findings: The current article describes the development of the program through caregiver involvement, participant and facilitator feedback, and implications for future efforts to build caregiver wellness self-care skills. Implications for nurses are highlighted.