Essential information and support needs of family caregivers.
The purpose of this study was to identify essential information and support needs of family caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, and to examine the relationship between caregiver characteristics and needs. Caregivers (n=128, response rate=49.4%) returned a survey detailing information needs, support needs, and personal information. The need for information concerning diagnosis/treatment and legal/financial issues was more important than general information about the disease. Specifically, information about health plan coverage was most important. Experienced caregivers also needed legal/financial information, as well as support. Female caregivers rated needs related to support as significantly more important than male caregivers. Practitioners should realize that caregivers may have different information and support needs and these needs may change throughout the caregiving experience.
Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Kentucky, 435 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY 40506-0027, USA. sbwack0@pop.uky.edu
Sarah B
SB
Wackerbarth
Mitzi M S
MM
Johnson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease; D017028:Caregivers; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012944:Social Support