Digital Tools to Support Caregivers of Hospitalized Older Adults
Improving Care Transitions and Self-care among Informal Caregivers of Hospitalized Older Adults through Digital Tools
This work offers virtual support to family caregivers of older adults who have been in the hospital, helping them manage stress and take care of themselves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Caring for an older adult after a hospital stay can be very demanding and stressful, often leaving caregivers with little time for their own health. We are offering a virtual support program called ViCCY (Virtual Caregiver Coach for You) that uses video conference sessions with a trained coach. These sessions focus on helping caregivers with self-care, coping strategies, and managing stress. Our goal is to make it easier for caregivers to follow complex discharge plans and manage care at home, while also protecting their own well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are informal caregivers, particularly African American caregivers, who are supporting older adults with multiple chronic conditions after a hospitalization.
Not a fit: Individuals who are not currently providing informal care for a hospitalized older adult may not directly benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce caregiver stress, improve their health, and potentially lead to better outcomes for the older adults they care for.
How similar studies have performed: While health coaching has shown success in improving self-care for patients, this approach is exploring its effects specifically on caregivers and racial differences, which is less studied.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirschman, Karen B — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hirschman, Karen B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.