Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Andrea Young

Abstract

Introduction: Formal caregivers play an essential role in supporting residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs which contribute to overall health and well-being (Spilsbury et al., 2024). Due to these responsibilities, caregivers need to be properly equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform clinical duties with confidence. The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a product that increases caregiver confidence by providing caregivers with occupational therapy informed education. By enhancing caregivers’ knowledge and skill set, this product may contribute to a supportive environment that fosters resident engagement in meaningful occupations and promotes improved quality of life (QoL) of residents.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to analyze current evidence-based literature regarding formal caregiver training and the QoL of residents within assisted living facilities (ALF). The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) (O’Brien, 2017) was used to guide the development of the toolkit. It also was developed to complement existing continuing education initiatives of the ALF.

Product: An OT-informed toolkit, Providing Care with Confidence was developed for ALFs to provide education to formal caregivers that address key areas in caregiving. It will also engage caregivers in practical hands-on experiential learning activities designed to increase their confidence. Included are eight structured modules such as understanding occupation-based care, graded assistance, environmental modification, communication strategies, resident dignity, energy conservation techniques, understanding behaviors in dementia, and recognition of functional decline.

Conclusion: Providing Care with Confidence: An OT-Informed Skills Lab Toolkit was developed to provide evidence-based education to support formal caregivers in ALFs. This toolkit is designed to promote a supportive facility culture and improve residents’ engagement in meaningful occupations to support their overall QoL.

Download

Share

COinS