OT in the Home: Reducing Caregiver Burden and Connecting Resources
Presented by Krista Covell-Pierson
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Caregivers are the often-unseen foundation of home-based support, yet their physical, emotional, and financial burden can significantly impact both their health and patient outcomes. Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to assess caregiver strain, provide functional training, and connect families to sustainable resources that promote long-term success at home. This course equips OT professionals with the tools to identify and evaluate caregiver needs, deliver meaningful caregiver education, and integrate supportive services into the treatment plan. Learners will explore validated screening tools, practical documentation strategies, and communication techniques to support both personal and professional caregivers. Designed for therapists working in home health, mobile outpatient, and community-based settings, this course emphasizes holistic, emphasizes client- and caregiver-centered care that honors both safety and sustainability.
Learning Objectives
- Identify caregiver-related risk factors that may affect client participation in occupations such as dressing, bathing, or safe mobility in the home environment
- Recognize validated caregiver assessment tools appropriate for home-based OT practice
- List community-based services and resources that can be integrated into a caregiver support plan to enhance sustainable care delivery
- Select caregiver education strategies that align with individual capacity and promote collaborative goal setting and carry-over in the home
Meet your instructor
Krista Covell-Pierson
Krista Covell-Pierson is the owner and founder of Covell Care and Rehabilitation, an innovative mobile outpatient practice designed to help adults and older adults live safer, more independent, and engaged lives at home and in their communities. She developed this one-of-a-kind model from the ground up, integrating…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Why Is OT Important for Caregiver Support at Home?
This chapter presents current statistics on caregiver demographics, responsibilities, and health risks, highlighting the importance of caregiver support in home-based care. Learners will explore OT’s unique role in caregiver education, resource navigation, and functional support, including how to utilize caregiver training CPT codes and integrate OT frameworks to guide practice.
2. Where Do We Start as OTPs Working With Caregivers?
Clinicians are guided through how to identify caregivers—both formal and informal—and how to recognize signs of emotional strain, burnout, or unsafe caregiving practices. This chapter includes conversation starters, observation strategies, and action plans for common caregiving crises, emphasizing the importance of therapeutic interviewing and empathy.
3. Assessments to Use in the Home During OT for Caregivers
This chapter introduces three evidence-based tools for assessing caregiver strain and burden: the Zarit Burden Interview, the Caregiver Strain Index, and the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire. Learners will review tips for integrating these tools into everyday practice, interpreting results, and linking findings to specific goals and documentation strategies.
4. OT Treatment Interventions With Caregivers in the Home
This chapter focuses on actionable treatment strategies that engage and empower caregivers throughout the care process. Topics include caregiver training, activity simplification, mindfulness, safe body mechanics, and motivational interviewing. Learners will also explore how to manage conflict, work with professional caregivers, and ensure the patient remains central to the care conversation.
5. Where Do We Go From Here?
The final chapter explores how to support caregivers and patients beyond discharge. Learners will gain tools to create a personalized roadmap of resources, referrals, and education for caregiver wellness and community connection. The chapter also encourages therapists to expand their own skill set in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and relationship-based practice.
More courses in this series
OT in the Home: Guided Safety and Environmental Assessments
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OT in the Home: Foundations of Assistive Tech and Equipment
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OT in the Home: Interventions for Low Vision
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OT in the Home: Addressing Progressive Neurological Conditions
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OT in the Home: Managing Chronic Pain and Fatigue
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OT in the Home: Pelvic Health Strategies for General Practitioners
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OT in the Home: Addressing Depression, Anxiety, and Isolation
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OT in the Home: Reducing Caregiver Burden and Connecting Resources
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