Caregivers of individuals with dementia are more likely to seek referrals for health and human services based on their marital status, education, and perception of the helpfulness of these services, according to the results of a study reported in the July issue of Social Work, the journal of the National Association of Social Workers (Vol. 49, No. 3).

Authors Philip McCallion and Ronald Toseland of the State University of New York at Albany, Todd Gerber of the New York State Department of Health, and Steven Banks of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester argue that caregivers who are single, have a high school education or less, or felt that such services would make it easier to provide care are more likely to want to be referred to an agency such as the Alzheimer's Association for assistance. Funding for the research was provided by a grant from the AA.

Four million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease or other similar form of dementia, with the number expected to quadruple in the next 50 years. The researchers stated that as the level of dementia increases, professional health and human services are needed to support the caregiver.

They also cite evidence that earlier studies have shown that although these services are greatly needed, utilization of the same services has been low.

The authors' study began with interviews of approximately 600 dementia caregivers. Of that sample, just over 200 agreed to be referred to a local AA chapter for assistance in using available health and human services. The average respondent for the larger group was a white 60-year-old with at least some college education who was also the daughter of the person with dementia. Those who were willing to be referred were much more likely to be single, of low educational background, and feel the services would be beneficial than the original group of 600.

McCallion, Toseland and Gerber and Banks suggest that those who were more likely to seek help should be more actively targeted by referral organizations. For example, those with less education may not have the access to sufficient information than their college graduate counterparts. Married people who are spousal caregivers might be unwilling to seek help if they feel it is their duty to care for their mate.

The study also found that information provided by AA chapters resulted in a significant increase of human services, but not necessarily health services. The authors attribute this to the nature of such organizations, which are experienced in respite care and day care rather than medical care.

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Posted on September 14, 2004