An evaluation of a wellness guide for older carers living in the community.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the usefulness and effectiveness of a wellness guide and to identify whether its use by a group of older "new" carers would make them healthier and knowledgeable of community resources.


METHODS
Pretest, posttest measures of physical and mental health and a questionnaire with associated focus groups. A purposive sample of 21 older carers who were "new" carers was selected for the study.


METHODS
Locus of control (LOC), Short Form 12, depression anxiety stress scale, and questionnaire.


RESULTS
Participants embraced the wellness guide as an excellent resource. It changed their behavior and improved their health on LOC measures, although changes in physical and mental health were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The wellness guide assisted carers' preparedness for their role and enhanced their sense of personal control over demanding situations.
O'Connell
Beverly
B
School of Nursing, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia. beverly.connell@deakin.edu.au
Heslop
Liza
L
Fennessy
Helen
H
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006304:Health Status; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010174:Pamphlets; D012380:Role; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria