Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng HT, Ho HT, Choi KY, Shek CH, Yuan WS, Won SW, Ip WM, Lau M
Keyword 1: :
Caregiving techniques
Keyword 2: :
Carer empowerment program
Keyword 3: :
Occupational therapy
Keyword 4: :
Patient care
Introduction :
The Carer Empowerment Program (CEP) aims to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and confidence of caregivers who assist older adults wishing to age in place. As community-based care and independence are increasingly prioritized for older populations, empowering caregivers is crucial for ensuring safe and sustainable aging at home. The CEP provides structured training in essential areas, including practical caregiving techniques, the use of assistive technologies, and the navigation of community resources. By emphasizing capacity building and experiential learning, the program enhances caregiver competence, reinforces support networks, and enables older adults to maintain autonomy, participate in meaningful daily activities, and remain engaged within their communities.
Objectives :
The evidence-based Carer Empowerment Program (CEP) aims to: 1. Enhancing Caregiver Knowledge: Provide caregivers with education and resources on care strategies to increase their confidence and ability to deliver effective support. 2. Building Support Networks: Facilitate opportunities for caregivers to connect with peers in similar circumstances, promoting peer support and the sharing of experiences. 3. Facilitating Access to Resources: Offer information about available support services and community resources to help caregivers manage their responsibilities more effectively. 4. Enhancing Quality of Care: Strengthen overall patient care by equipping caregivers with essential knowledge and skills.
Methodology :
The CEP recruited 232 caregivers of medical and geriatric patients admitted to Shatin Hospital between March and December 2025. The program was delivered bi-weekly, with each session lasting three hours and covering topics such as practical caregiving techniques, community resources, and accessible transportation arrangements to facilitate home discharge. Upon completion, caregivers received a tele-package with instructional videos and community resources, allowing them to review and consolidate acquired knowledge and skills acquired during the program. Program effectiveness was evaluated using pre- and post-CEP questionnaires to assess caregivers’ preparedness, competence, skills, and knowledge.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 17 sessions were conducted over the study period. Analysis of the pre- and post-CEP questionnaire data using paired sample t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements across multiple outcomes. Preparedness increased by 44.9% (p < 0.001) and competence by 37.9% (p < 0.001), both statistically significant. Skills and knowledge also saw significant gains (p < 0.001) further support the program’s effectiveness. Moreover, over 88% of participants reported that the CEP content was highly beneficial for patient care after discharge, describing the materials as easy to understand and comprehensive. These findings underscore the program's effectiveness in enhancing caregiver capabilities and improving the quality of care provided to older adults. The use of evidence-based strategies and the implementation of a structured carer empowerment program enable occupational therapy to play a central role in enhancing caregiver knowledge, building support networks, facilitating their access to resources, and improving overall quality of care. By empowering caregivers, the CEP not only supports the safe discharge of older adults but also ensures ongoing community support, fostering a supportive environment for both caregivers and older adults. This approach highlights the critical role of occupational therapy in promoting successful aging within home and community settings.
