Transforming Caregiving Research Into Practice: Evaluation of the CareWell Program That Pairs Coaches With an Evidence-Based Web Application.

OBJECTIVES: Family caregivers of people with dementia typically do not receive strategies or education to manage daily care challenges. The CareWell program addressed this gap by pairing coaches with a digital platform (web app) Plans4Care's On-Demand Dementia Toolkit for Professionals that generates evidence-based personalized action plans to address care challenges. DESIGN: This is a program evaluation of the real-world implementation of CareWell with 26 caregivers to understand feasibility and direction of outcomes. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: From January 2025 to April 2025, caregivers of persons with dementia were recruited nationally online as part of normal operating procedures for a 5-session coaching program designed to provide support and strategies for managing dementia-related care challenges. METHODS: Guided by a Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, we evaluated the feasibility of having caregivers complete pre- and postprogram assessments of their perceived program benefits. Measured was caregiver stress, well-being, quality of life, and program satisfaction and caregiver ratings of quality of life for the person with dementia. RESULTS: Sixteen (62%) of 26 caregivers completed pre and post surveys. Caregivers reported decreased stress and improved well-being and quality of life for themselves and perceived that the person living with dementia had improved quality of life. Satisfaction with the program was high, with an average score of 4.7 of 5. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Pairing coaches with a digital platform that generates evidence-based solutions to common dementia-related challenges is a feasible and valuable approach for improving family well-being. Use of a web application offers a scalable approach for upskilling the dementia-capable workforce and family caregivers.