Development of a Self-Administered Workbook for Enhancing Caregiver Use of Respite Time

A self-administered version of a workbook for caregiver use of respite time was developed as a contribution to the Time for Living and Caring (TLC) Research Program. The second phase of the TLC program is the development of this self-administered workbook that may be used in phase three of the TLC program, which will be a caregiver intervention study with a larger sample of caregivers. Entitled the "Development of a Self-Administered Workbook for Caregiver Use of Respite Time," this workbook uses an individually guided goal setting and attainment process to assist caregivers to use respite time more effectively and beneficially in an effort to improve their mental and physical health outcomes. Five professional consultants from for-profit, non-profit and government agencies along with over 15 formal and informal caregivers were asked to provide evaluations of the workbook. The consensus from the consultants was that the workbook took too long to complete, and that the format was too "clinical". In response, a booklet was created, which was a shortened version of the workbook. The booklet has very concise information and instructions, and can be self-administered to set and achieve goals for caregiver use of respite time for a three week period.