The study identifies role transition as a critical and underserved moment in the caregiving journey, informing GiveCare's onboarding design that accounts for where users are in their caregiving arc.
AI companion design must balance emotional support with practical information delivery, validating GiveCare's dual-track approach of empathic tone with actionable benefits guidance.
Informal caregivers reported that AI support is most valuable during the transition from "person" to "caregiver" identity, shaping GiveCare's early-stage engagement strategy.
The study recommends personalization based on care context (diagnosis, relationship, living situation), directly informing GiveCare's intake assessment structure.
Findings emphasize that AI companions must avoid replacing human social bonds, reinforcing GiveCare's anti-dependency design principles and human-bridging orientation.