Mason CARES
Researchers in the George Mason University Department of Social Work developed Mason CARES, a research study assessing the effect of an evidenced-based virtual education program on care partner stress-management. Created for care partners caring for a loved one with dementia, this program served to reduce care partner stress/ burden and increase care partner well-being.
Mason CARES is funded by the RRF Foundation for Aging
Family care partners provide more than 80% of the daily care of older adults in the U.S. In 2019, more than 16.1 million unpaid family care partners of people with dementia assumed caregiving tasks because of declining cognitive and physical functioning among older adults (Alzheimer’s Association, n.d). Non-pharmacological, affordable interventions have evidence of effectiveness for families challenged with dementia in reducing care partner stress and increasing well-being.
From July 2021 – July 2023 we developed, completed, and assessed three sessions of the Mason CARES study • IRBNet number: 1790598-1.
We received extended funding to continue our journey with our Mason CARES participants for an additional year (July 1, 2023 – June 2024)!
Did YOU participate in Mason CARES? Join us for Mason CARES Plus: An expansion study providing a voice to our care partners to assess which specific aspects of our program were most and least impactful to their experience in Mason CARES.
Click the links below for more information on how to participate in Mason CARES Plus and other resources
For additional questions regarding the Mason CARES program, contact the Mason CARES team: gerorsch@gmu.edu • 571-492-4188