58% of Idaho caregivers report lower odds of institutionalizing loved ones after free phone program
Three years of data from Boise State University show that individualized telephone support reduces depression and burden for rural family caregivers.
By Lucas Collins ·
A three year evaluation of a free telephone support program in Idaho found that personalized guidance reduced the likelihood that family caregivers would move their loved ones into institutional care.
The Idaho Caregiver Alliance, housed within Boise State University's School of Public and Population Health, operates the Family Caregiver Navigator. This service connects family caregivers with tailored resources over the phone, a model designed to bypass transportation barriers and the time constraints common in rural communities.
Researchers analyzed data from 2023 through the present. During this period, 901 individuals contacted the program. Of those, 289 completed the full navigation process. The study team included Sarah Toevs, Sheila Weaver, Edwina French, and Jennifer Glenn from the Alliance, along with Taylor Neher, Jennifer Nguyen, and Jayne Josephsen from the university.
The evaluation measured changes in caregiver burden, depression symptoms, and confidence in managing stress and resources. Among participants who completed follow-up assessments, results showed statistically significant improvements in these areas. Specifically, participants reported greater confidence in communicating their needs and handling the daily responsibilities of caregiving.
A key metric was the intention to place the care recipient in an institution. Fifty-eight percent of participants reported a reduced intention to do so after receiving support. This finding suggests that accessible, person-centered navigation helps sustain the family caregiving capacity that often faces strain in rural areas.
The article, titled Enhancing Family Caregiver Well-Being: Evaluation of Person-Centered Navigation Services, appeared in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The Idaho Caregiver Alliance continues to operate the program, accepting inquiries by email at idahocaregiveralliance@gmail.com or by phone at 208-426-5899.
