Increasing the Use of Formal Services by Caregivers of People with Dementia

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of an information and referral intervention designed to help family caregivers of people with dementia obtain needed health and human services. Caregivers (N = 608) of community-residing people with dementia were surveyed about their need for and use of community services. Of the 608 caregivers, 203 agreed to be referred to a staff member of an Alzheimer's Association chapter to get help finding needed health and community services. The results of a logistic regression indicated that education, marital status, and perceptions about the helpfulness of services were significant predictors of wanting a referral. The information and referral help given by staff of the Alzheimer's Association chapters resulted in a significant increase in the use of human services, but no change in the use of health services. Practice implications are discussed.