Caregivers to Dementia Patients: The Utilization of Community Services

Abstract

Among 597 family caregivers to noninstitutionalized dementia patients, respite-oriented services were perceived as most needed and, also, utilized the most. Of the 43% who knew of available services more than one-half were utilizers of respite-oriented services. Those not ready to use services, who were more likely to be spouses caring for younger patients with less impairment, reported significantly less burden and more social support. Those caregivers who did not use services for other reasons, however, were generally similar to utilizers.