1) Who is the sponsor of the study?
The Boston Caregiver Survey is sponsored by the Boston Public Health Commission.
2) Why is this survey being conducted? What is the purpose of the study?
This survey seeks to gain information about the experiences and circumstances related to being a caregiver.
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has identified high levels of informal caregiving being given by residents to family and friends as an essential part of the support received by many elders and other persons with health problems or disabilities. Yet as a group, caregivers experience higher levels of stress and other challenges directly related to their caregiving.
This survey is meant to gain information that will help obtain and direct resources that support caregivers.
3) What is the survey about?
This survey asks some general questions about caregiving, such as care activites, healthcare interactions, care coordination, visiting and transportation, as well as some general questions about your health. If there are questions you wish not to answer, you can refuse an individual question and still participate in the study as a whole.
4) How did you get my address?
You previously participated in the Boston Health Survey and agreed to be re-contacted for related surveys. If you do not wish to participate in this survey, you do not have to, although your participation would be very helpful to us.
5) What is the information used for?
The data will be used to help guide and fund public health programs that serve caregivers. Most people do find the survey interesting and no identifying information will be connected to the responses you provide.
6) Who should complete the survey?
The person named in the letter you received, or any adult in the household who provides care to friends or family members who have health problems or disabilities should complete this survey.
7) How long will the survey take?
On average it should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
8) Whom should I contact with questions?
Please direct any additional questions to support@bostoncaregiversurvey.com or dial 855-654-9163.
If you have additional questions about this study, you can call Johnna Murphy, at the Boston Public Health Commission. Her number is 617-534-2369.
9) Will my privacy be protected?
There is no identifying information gathered during this survey that is used in the final report. Your address is separated from your responses after the data has been collected and compiled.
10) Can I complete the survey over the phone?
Yes. Anyone who does not complete the survey online will receive a phone call from our survey call center in the coming weeks.