Caregiver satisfaction with adult day service programs

Citation Jarrott, S., Zarit, S., Paris-Stephens, M.A., Townsend, A. & Greene, R. (1999). Caregiver satisfaction with adult day service programs. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 14(4), 233-244.

Design Descriptive research

Participants The participants of this study were N=261 caregivers of persons with dementia

Outcome / Dependent Variables The following outcome variables were investigated: Descriptive caregiver characteristics, satisfaction items (e.g.: staff friendliness, program activities/meals), benefits and drawbacks (statements focus on behaviors of care receiver before and after attending the day program - e.g., sleeping better, etc).

Procedure In-person interviews were conducted with caregivers when their relative first enrolled in adult day program and again after 3 and 12 months of use.

Outcomes Findings indicate: high levels of satisfaction among caregivers who utilize adult day programs. Caregivers more likely to perceive benefits from adult day services include those with lower levels of depression and higher levels of overload. Non-employed caregivers were more likely to report increased time for themselves, family and other responsibilities. Women and caregivers with low baseline levels of worry were likely to report more problems related to Adult day service use.

Author Jarrott, S., Zarit, S., Paris-Stephens, M.A., Townsend, A. & Greene, R.