Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging Releases Feasibility Study on Web-Based Technology for Family Caregivers

Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging has released a feasibility study to test the acceptability, usability, and potential efficacy of a web-based technology for family caregivers. Called CareGeneral, this new care management tool is designed to simplify, centralize and coordinate the care process for caregivers of older parents and other family members, and to enhance communication and coordination, minimize caregiving errors and alleviate stress.

The feasibility study was designed by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging to detail users’ experience with the new web-based tool. It uses data from the Institute’s survey of 37 working family caregivers and secondary caregivers who used CareGeneral while providing care to someone 50 years or better. The study’s key findings include

    89% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they were able to accomplish caregiving/care management tasks more efficiently

    90% agreed or strongly agreed that CareGeneral helped them better coordinate and communicate with caregivers

The newly released report will prove informational to organizations that employ, work with and/or provide services to family caregivers and are seeking ways to help family—or professional—caregivers coordinate care and organize health information.

“Our evidence-based evaluation of CareGeneral confirms the trend noted in a recent study by the Pew Research Center: Today’s family caregivers are seeking help from technology,” says Linda Hollinger-Smith, Vice President of Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging. “We are currently looking for other organizations we can partner with to explore technology trends further, both in the family caregiver circle and in other aspects of older adult care.”

The Institute was created in 1999 as a way to expand the impact of Mather LifeWays by evaluating programs for senior living and community-residing older adults through applied research. Through national initiatives, surveys, and research studies, Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging has developed myriad programs that are focused on person-centered care, enhancing the quality of life of aging adults, caregivers, and senior living professionals.

Download the study at www.matherlifewaysinstituteonaging.com/research-resources/partners-colla....

Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging (Evanston, Ill.) is the research and education area of service of Mather LifeWays, a unique, non-denominational not-for-profit organization that creates Ways to Age WellSM.  Staffed by nationally recognized researchers and educators, Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging is a global resource for information about wellness, successful aging service innovations, and educational programming. It conducts applied research and develops award-winning, evidence-based education programs for professionals who serve older adults. Learn more at www.matherlifewaysinstituteonaging.com.

CareGeneral, LLC (Miami, Fla.) helps working caregivers better manage the demanding, stressful and confusing process of elder caregiving. By providing care coordination tools with direct and immediate online access to professional care support, CareGeneral provides a total care management portal that reduces time requirements and associated stress while improving productivity, personal well-being and organizational commitment. For more information, visit www.caregeneral.com.

Media Inquiries

Paula Ledbetter

Director of Marketing

(847) 868.5930

pledbetter@matherlifeways.com