PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between caregiver stress and compliance with home programs in caregivers of children with disabilities.

METHODS: Sixty-six caregivers of children with disabilities responded to a mailed survey to determine their level of compliance with a prescribed home physical therapy program and the level of caregiver stress. Compliance was defined as the degree to which caregivers followed the prescribed frequency of the home program.

RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of the caregivers reported some level of noncompliance with their home program. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between the caregivers' level of noncompliance with the home program and the level of stress that they reported. Correlation coefficients showed a significant relationship between family problems and noncompliance with home programs. As caregiver and family problems increased, noncompliance with home programs increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of children with disabilities experience stress that should be addressed by therapists to maximize compliance with home programs.