BALANCE Program for Caregivers with Physical Disabilities
(BALANCE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new program designed to assist caregivers with physical or sensory disabilities. The program, called BALANCE (Building Active Living and Addressing Needs for Caregiver Empowerment), aims to enhance well-being by providing personalized support and planning, including improved access to resources and social connections. Participants will engage in individual and group sessions tailored to their unique needs. Individuals with a physical or sensory disability who spend at least 10 hours a week caring for someone with a disability or chronic illness, and reside in Maryland, may be well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative caregiver support strategies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on support and planning for caregivers, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.
What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for caregivers with disabilities?
Research has shown that programs like the BALANCE intervention are generally safe for participants. Studies on similar programs for caregivers indicate they can reduce stress and improve social support without causing harm. These programs offer caregivers resources, planning, and peer support.
This trial is labeled as "Not Applicable" in terms of traditional phases, indicating no major safety concerns. The focus is on providing support rather than testing a new drug or medical device. Existing studies report no harmful effects from such caregiver-focused programs.
Overall, participants can expect a positive experience aimed at enhancing their well-being and access to resources.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the BALANCE intervention because it offers a personalized approach to supporting caregivers with physical disabilities. Unlike standard care options that may focus solely on medical or physical support, BALANCE addresses the unmet needs of caregivers through individual and group sessions with a caregiver navigator. This method empowers caregivers by providing tailored support and fostering a community, which can improve their overall well-being and ability to care for others.
What evidence suggests that the BALANCE intervention is effective for improving the well-being of caregivers with disabilities?
Research has shown that programs supporting caregivers can greatly reduce their stress and increase their social connections. The "Caring for the Caregiver" program helped informal caregivers feel better supported and less burdened. Education that empowers caregivers has also succeeded in making them more prepared and capable, especially for those caring for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer's. These findings suggest that focusing on caregivers' needs can improve their well-being and effectiveness. In this trial, the BALANCE program, which participants will receive, uses a structured approach to build on these successes by addressing unmet needs and helping caregivers with disabilities feel more connected.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Janiece Taylor, PhD, RN
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for caregivers over 18 years old with physical or sensory disabilities, living in Maryland, who care for someone with a disability or chronic illness for at least 10 hours per week.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive the BALANCE intervention, which includes individualized resource navigation, personalized self-care planning, emergency and end of life preparedness, and peer support.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver burden, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- BALANCE Building Active Living and Addressing Needs for Caregiver Empowerment
Trial Overview
The BALANCE program is being tested to see if it helps improve well-being and social connections of caregivers with disabilities. It includes resource navigation, self-care planning, emergency prep, and peer support over an 8-10-week period.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will receive the intervention. BALANCE is a feasibility study of the BALANCE intervention that is testing feasibility and acceptability of a intervention that includes individual and group sessions with a caregiver navigator. The focus of the intervention is the unmet needs of caregivers with disabilities.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research
Collaborator
Citations
Supporting Family Caregivers in Providing Care - NCBI - NIH
Research supporting this caregiver-as-client perspective focuses on ways to protect family caregivers' health and safety.
Impact of a community-based educational intervention on ...
Study results confirm that the “Caring for the Caregiver” program significantly reduced caregiver burden and increased social support among informal caregivers ...
The impact of empowerment theory-based health ...
Empowerment theory-based health education appears to be an effective intervention for improving caregiver and readiness to care for caregivers of Alzheimer's ...
Caregivers of Children with Special Healthcare Needs
The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationships between organizational work-family culture, caregiver burden, and work-life balance
Outcome Evaluation of the National Family Caregiver ...
Caregiver Support Program. 5-16. What Do These Results Mean? Based on these findings, the CRs and caregivers view caregiver needs differently.
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johnahartford.org
johnahartford.org/resources/view/national-alliance-for-caregiving-caregiving-in-the-us-2025-reportCaregiving in the US 2025 Report and Data Hub
The report offers new insights into the financial, emotional and workplace impacts of family caregiving, as well as the evolving needs and ...
Report: Most Family Caregivers Struggle With Life Balance
Two-thirds (67 percent) of survey respondents reported having at least some difficulty balancing work and life responsibilities.
National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
The goal is always to provide support that meets the needs of the individual receiving it—as defined by that person—and to allow the individual receiving care ...
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