Pandemic Shift: Virtual Self-Care Courses for Caregivers of Veterans

Abstract

Self-care improves health and well-being, yet many caregivers neglect it. During COVID-19, self-care courses for caregivers of veterans transitioned from in-person to virtual videoconferencing. The format remained the same with caregiver groups and a trainer. This observational study examined in-person and virtual caregivers’ satisfaction with courses. Caregivers (1120 in-person, 962 virtual) could attend five courses before and following March 2020 transition to virtual. Evaluations (N = 1665) examined demographics, satisfaction, and utility. Characteristics were compared between in-person and virtual participants using chi-squared tests. Qualitative caregiver comments were compared. Half of the caregivers were over 60 years old; 49% had been caregivers at least 6 years. Caregivers were primarily women (91%) and spouses (75%), with more spouses virtually (p = 0.006) and more men in-person (p < 0.001). Both groups endorsed learning new information, planning to use it in caregiving and for themselves, increasing knowledge and skills, and having needs met. Caregiver comments revealed six types of benefits: new information, information review, positive effects, interaction, plans to act, and instructor qualities. Caregivers in virtual groups more often mentioned learning more information, being reminded of information, and planning to take further action; in-person caregivers more often mentioned interaction as a benefit. Caregivers were satisfied with and found benefit from in-person and virtual self-care courses. Although in-person courses allow for more social connection with others, virtual courses offer decreased travel costs for instructors and increased convenience and access for caregivers.