PA CareKit Evaluation Grant Project - The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), seeks grant funding to evaluate the PA CareKit, a dynamic, interactive toolkit designed by and for informal, unpaid caregivers. The goal of this project is to enhance support for family caregivers by evaluating the PA CareKit and assessing its effectiveness in practice. PDA will partner with the University of Pittsburgh to implement the evaluation, which includes training providers to become “CareKit Coaches,” qualified to provide assistance to caregivers in utilizing the CareKit. The objectives of this project are to: measure PA CareKit impacts on caregiver burden and wellbeing; analyze PA CareKit impacts on Medicaid expenditures and caregiver financial strain; identify best practices for educating and engaging providers in CareKit utilization; and gather recommendations to improve CareKit content and usability, with a focus on ensuring relevance of the CareKit for kinship caregivers and older adults providing care for adult children with developmental disabilities. Anticipated outcomes include: reductions in caregiver burden and improved wellbeing; reduced financial strain for caregivers and care recipients; increased provider and consumer engagement and knowledge; identification of best practices for educating and supporting caregivers on available resources; enhancements to the design, tools, language, and delivery model of the CareKit; and the creation of scalable and replicable models for states interested in developing and disseminating a caregiver toolkit. Products from this project will include a comprehensive evaluation report including lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for CareKit enhancements; marketing and outreach materials; and provider and caregiver training.
