Date

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Barbara Silverthorne

Abstract

Family caregivers experience high levels of burnout and stress, which can negatively affect their well-being and the quality of care they provide. This capstone project was implemented at Health Projects Center in Salinas within the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center program. Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center serves a diverse community of family caregivers, predominantly Caucasian, Hispanic, and Latino individuals caring for loved ones with a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s or memory impairment. The purpose of this project was to improve caregivers’ knowledge, confidence, awareness, and intention regarding self-care strategies to reduce their vulnerability to burnout related to caregiving. The project involved developing and facilitating a virtual caregiver educational class delivered via Zoom regarding self-care. Pre- and post-surveys results showed that confidence in managing personal well-being grew, awareness of stress and burnout rose, and intention to engage in self-care increased, while knowledge of self-care strategies remained high. These findings indicate that the project effectively enhanced caregivers’ self-care knowledge, confidence, awareness, and motivation. Recommended next steps include continuing educational classes and workshops, offering follow-up sessions, and expanding access through virtual and in-person formats to increase participation.

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