Family Caregivers Needed for "Playful" Project

Are you interested in increasing support for family caregivers in Utah?  Do you enjoy the theater?  These two things may not seem like they go together, but combining your caregiving experiences with playwriting is a novel approach being taken by the College of Nursing at the University of Utah to document the effect of an arts-based activity on caregiver wellbeing.

This project is seeking family caregivers to meet with other caregivers on five occasions over the course of a semester, with early family caregivers having discussions with experienced caregivers.  The data gathered during these discussions will be analyzed and turned into a play to be performed by a professional theater company.  In addition to being performed for study participants, the play will be produced at caregiving conferences and during the legislative session to promote caregiver support and encourage legislative action.

It is anticipated that the project will take between 10 and 20 hours spread out over the course of four months.  In return for participation, each participant will receive $25 for each meeting attended, and the choice of a DVD or paper copy of the final Enthnodrama.

This study is seeking individuals providing home-based care for an older family member who is age 65 plus.  Both new and experienced caregivers are needed.

To learn more, contact Jackie Eaton, Ph.D., Project Director and Adjunct Instructor, University of Utah College of Nursing, at 801-362-5303 or e-mail Jacqueline.eaton@nurs.utah.edu.