Abstract
This study was to evaluate the utilization of long-term care service resources by caregivers of patients with dementia (PWD) and to determine affecting factors. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 100 dyads were enrolled and caregivers responded to the questionnaires. We found 40% of caregivers not using any care resources. Between those caregivers using and not-using care resources, we found differences (p < 0.05) in their health status and living conditions; the difference (p < 0.05) was also found in patients’ behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The frequency of BPSD (OR = 1.045, p = 0.016, 95% CI = 1.001–1.083) and the living conditions (OR = 3.519, p = 0.007, 95% CI = 1.414–8.759) were related to their use of care resources. Particular BPSDs, such as anxiety or restlessness, throwaway food, aggressive behavior, tearing of clothes, and sexual harassment of patients were related to the caregivers’ use of care resources (p < 0.01). Health professionals have to evaluate the patients’ BPSD and identify the caregivers’ essential needs. Individualized medical care and BPSD-related care resources should be provided for patients and caregivers for taking off their care burden and improving patient care.
Highlights
We collected a total of 100 questionnaires fully completed without missing information
The present study showed the main caregiver for dementia was the daughter, followed by the son and spouse
Our results showed that emotional burden has the lowest score regarding the care burden of caregivers
Summary
Aging-related decline in physical and cognitive functions, especially dementia, creates a growing healthcare burden. International (ADI) estimated 50 million people in 2018 have dementia worldwide. By 2050, the number likely will rise to 152 million. A new case of dementia occurs in the world every three seconds. The global cost of the disease is about USD one trillion a year, and the cost is estimated to double by 2030 [1]
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