Community support service use and Black family caregiver mental health outcomes

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundFamily and friends provide 83% of dementia patients’ essential personal care needs without compensation or training. More than 11 million Americans provided care in 2020, totaling an estimated 15.3 billion hours of assistance valued at nearly $250 billion. The stress associated with caring for a person living with dementia (PLWD) can significantly affect the caregiver’s physical and mental health. Caregiver stress is a significant problem that proportionately affects Black family caregivers. Adult day programs, support groups, help‐seeking, respite, and dementia training can assist Black family caregivers in avoiding stress‐related mental health issues. CSS aids caregivers in keeping PLWD safe at home and postponing or avoiding institutionalization. This study examines how CSS affects Black family caregivers' mental health.MethodThe secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Round 5 and the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) Rd II, 2015, n = 2,204 caregivers. The dementia classification (those with probable or possible dementia) caregivers was n = 1,027. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses evaluated caregiver stress (based on the relationship and interaction with the PLWD) and the use of CSS.ResultFindings indicated that most caregivers were females (66%) between 55 to 65+ years old. Analysis of the stress measures derived from questions about the caregiver’s relation with the PLWD suggests that overall, the caregivers enjoy spending time with the PLWD (96%). Stress measures did not indicate that caregivers experienced much stress. Black caregivers received less dementia training than their White counterparts: 13% vs. 29%. A small percentage of caregivers attended support groups (5% and less).ConclusionThe results of this secondary data analysis do not distinguish Black and White family caregiver stress or their use of support services to address stress. The reason is not apparent, but it may be that the most vulnerable groups did not participate in the NHATS/NSOC research, which may account for these results. Qualitative research is required to explore Black caregivers’ stress and support utilization perspectives deeply.