Predictors of use of services among dementia caregivers

Citation Robinson, K. M., Buckwalter, K. C., & Reed, D. (2005). Predictors of use of services among dementia caregivers. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 27 (2), 126-140.

Design Exploratory research

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to utilization of services by caregivers.

Hypothesis The following questions were addressed: What is the strength and direction of relationships among caregiver and care recipient demographic variables and use of community services. Of the variables identified in the literature as being relevant to use of services (severity of disease, problem behavior and social support) and the demographic variables, which is the best predictor of use of community services.

Participants The participants (N=241) of this study were caregivers who were Informal Caring at home for individual with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Living up to 2hr drive from study site. Providing at least 4 hrs of care daily. Cognitively intact.

Outcome / Dependent Variables N/A

Procedure The data for the study were taken from the baseline assessments of participants in a multi-site experiment.

Outcomes Three levels of barriers were identified: individual (originating from within cg), societal (external to cg), and institutional (related to accessibility of resources). Spousal relationship was most predictive of reluctance to use services. Caregivers having more difficulty managing the care recipient's ADLs and behavior problems were more likely to use services. Depression and perceived burden were not related to use of services. Caregivers experienced difficulty with management of behaviors as a target population for rapid, in-home behavioral management interventions.

Author Robinson, K. M., Buckwalter, K. C., & Reed, D.