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Caregivers report poorer health and wellness than the general population and identify numerous barriers to their attending programs to improve health and wellness. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of employing a telehealth delivery method to enhance access to caregiver wellness programs. This article presents the quantitative results of a mixed methods feasibility study of translating the Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) program to a telehealth delivery format. Four unpaid family caregivers of older adults participated in a telehealth delivered PTC program, a wellness program with established outcomes in the in-person environment. The program was delivered using synchronous videoconferencing methods. High class attendance and a high median total average Telehealth Usability Questionnaire score of 5.7 indicated the telehealth delivery method was feasible. This research suggests that telehealth is a feasible delivery format for a caregiver program traditionally delivered in an in-person format.

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OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand caregivers' experience of an education-based wellness program delivered using telehealth. METHOD: In this qualitative pilot study, 4 caregivers participated in a focus group after completing a 6-wk telehealth program. Data analysis involved open coding, thematic analysis, and coding triangulation. RESULTS: Two major themes emerged. The first, "I feel like I am now prepared," included the subthemes of strategies for caregiver self-maintenance, the understanding that caregiving is a normal process, and the value of a group experience. The second theme, "It was just a good interaction," included the subthemes of benefits of telehealth, challenges of telehealth, and process of learning the technology. CONCLUSION: Participant discussion of the content learned and the value of group support indicated that telehealth was effective in both promoting learning and facilitating relationships. Even with challenges, participants reported an overall positive experience. Telehealth holds promise for increasing access to health promotion programs.

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BACKGROUND: Return to work is an issue of concern for stroke survivors and their spouses. Ramifications may include loss of income and self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the return to work patterns of stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers post stroke. METHODS: One hundred fifty-nine dyads were examined for their return to work patterns at baseline (post hospital discharge) and then at 3 month intervals for one year. Relationships were determined between work and gender, age, ethnicity, education, type of insurance, type of stroke, location of stroke, motor and cognitive functional status, depression, mutuality, and life satisfaction. RESULTS: Low levels of return to work by stroke survivors (7.5%) and a small decrease in the amount of working caregivers (from 45.3% to 40.35%) were found one year post baseline. Variables that predicted return to work changed over the five data points except for younger age for the caregiver, which was consistently significant across all data points. Three case scenarios representative of working patterns are offered. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed regarding the return to work needs of stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers, particularly what role the occupational therapist may play in facilitating that process.

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BACKGROUND: Stroke survivors often have impairments that make it difficult for them to function safely in their home environment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify occupational performance barriers in the home and describe the subsequent recommendations offered to stroke survivors and their caregivers. METHODS: An occupational therapist administered a home safety tool to assess stroke survivors' home environments, determine home safety problems, and provide recommendations. FINDINGS: Among 76 stroke survivors, the greatest problems were indentified in the categories of bathroom, mobility, and communication. Two case studies illustrate the use of the home safety tool with this population. IMPLICATIONS: The home safety tool is helpful in determining the safety needs of stroke survivors living at home. We recommend the use of the home safety tool for occupational therapists assessing the safety of the home environment.