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OT-CARES Digital Wellness Journal
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Participant pathway

How It Works

The OT-CARES Digital Wellness Journal is a self-paced, occupational therapy-informed program designed to support emotional well-being and stress management for family caregivers.

  1. Eligibility screening

    Answer ten yes/no questions. The researcher reviews every screening.

  2. Create your account

    Choose a password for your private OT-CARES login.

  3. Informed consent

    Read the consent document and sign by typing your name.

  4. Study ID and pre-program assessments

    Receive your Study ID, then complete the PSS-4 and ZBI-12 through a secure link.

  5. Four modules

    Learn, Reflect, Journal, and Recharge, one module at a time.

  6. Post-program assessments and feedback

    Complete the PSS-4, ZBI-12, and feedback questionnaire, then view caregiver resources.

Wellness Pathway

  1. Learn
  2. Reflect
  3. Journal
  4. Recharge
ModuleFocusDescriptionKey content areasTime
Module 1Foundation (Reflection)Building Awareness and Understanding Caregiver ExperienceIntroduces caregivers to the importance of self-awareness and reflection. Explores the caregiver role, emotions, and the impact of caregiving.
  • Understanding stress and caregiver burden
  • Self-awareness and values
  • Identifying strengths
  • Setting personal intentions
20-30 minutes
Module 2Emotional Regulation (Strategies)Developing Strategies for Emotional RegulationProvides tools and strategies to help caregivers manage emotions, reduce stress, and respond with greater resilience.
  • Identifying emotional triggers
  • Coping and grounding strategies
  • Mindfulness and breathwork
  • Thought reframing
20-30 minutes
Module 3Self-Care (Restoration)Prioritizing Self-Care and RestorationFocuses on the importance of self-care and restoring energy through meaningful and enjoyable activities.
  • Self-care planning
  • Occupational balance
  • Pleasure and meaningful activities
  • Building a support system
20-30 minutes
Module 4Sustaining Wellness (Resilience)Sustaining Well-Being and Moving ForwardHelps caregivers integrate what they've learned and develop a sustainable wellness plan for the future.
  • Reviewing growth and progress
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Creating a personal wellness plan
  • Looking ahead with hope
20-30 minutes

Program features

  • Self-paced online modules
  • Guided reflective journaling
  • Mindfulness and relaxation practices
  • Optional resources and support links
  • Brief questionnaires before and after participation

Pacing

Participants are encouraged to complete one module per week at their own pace.

OT-CARES is self-paced. Participants choose when to work but are asked to complete all four sequential modules within 4 weeks. A 1-week grace period is available if needed.

Participant timeline

  1. ENROLLMENT

    Screening & Consent

    Complete eligibility screening, review and sign informed consent, and receive individual OT-CARES access.

  2. WEEK 1 - MODULE 1

    Understanding Caregiver Stress

    Complete Module 1 (about 20-30 minutes), guided reflection, and journaling at your own pace.

  3. WEEK 2 - MODULE 2

    Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation

    Complete Module 2 (about 20-30 minutes) and practice selected mindfulness or emotional-regulation strategies.

  4. WEEK 3 - MODULE 3

    Self-Care & Meaningful Occupations

    Complete Module 3 (about 20-30 minutes) and reflect on self-care, balance, and meaningful activities.

  5. WEEK 4 - MODULE 4

    Building Resilience & Moving Forward

    Complete Module 4 (about 20-30 minutes), then complete post-program PSS-4, ZBI-12, and feedback questionnaire.

  6. OPTIONAL 1-WEEK GRACE

    Completion Window

    Use up to one additional week, if needed, to finish an outstanding module or post-program measures. Total participation may extend to 5 weeks.

Self-paced does not mean open-ended: participants work within the 4-week completion window.

Check Eligibility