A.ctive C.aregivers T.oolkit
A mobile app for caregivers in rural Appalachia
Goals:
- To help caregivers improve physical activity
- To improve cardiovascular self-care
- To improve cardiovascular health and reduce cardiovascular disease
You will be able to track your exercise, mood, and motivation each day.
Every year, millions of Americans take on the care of a loved one at home, often with little information or training and at great detriment to their health. Three-quarters (76%) of rural Appalachian caregivers have high blood pressure, 92% are overweight or obese, 51% have high levels of anxiety, and 62% report high levels of stress. Caregiving confers an 82% increased risk for CVD in rural Appalachia. However, this problem has remained hidden from healthcare providers and policymakers because caregivers typically are too busy caring for family members to seek care for themselves.
This can lead to increased rates of cardiovascular disease in caregivers, as well as increased rates of burn-out and burden, making it difficult to care for the care recipient.
The ACT app is the first of its kind to use a well-evaluated intervention and translate it into a mobile format to make it easier for caregivers to use in their own time, on demand. Caregivers are encouraged to use the app as much or as little as they can. It is designed to incorporate the caregivers’ values and goals to help them meet their fitness goals.