FCRP Policy Statement

Use of Community Services by Alzheimer's Caregivers People who provide home care to family members with Alzheimer's Disease face a task which is characterized by unrelenting physical and emotional strain. Community services exist in most areas which hold the, potential to offer some relief to family caregivers. Documentation of the use of four specific community services by 182 family caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease patients in Michigan reveals that rates of use differ considerably between services, Most frequently used services by those caregivers participating in a Michigan State University Family Care Study were support groups and home health aids. Least used services were skilled nursing and adult day care, with approximately 70% of caregivers indicating that they had never used those services. The reasons for not using services include lack of need for a specific service (such as skilled nursing), lack of availability of the service, inability to pay for the service and difficult), in accessing the service. When 50% or more of individuals who-are in stressful situations have never used services which might benefit them and their patients, it is important that policy makers take note. Services must be accessible and available to families providing home care.

This research supported by grant #PRG-89-098, "Perceptions of Community Services by Alzheimer's Caregivers," funded by the Alzheimer's Association/Beverly E. Duchossois Pilot Research Grant, Sharon King, Principal Investigator. Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. Sharon King, A230 Life Sciences Building, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1313. Research also supported by grant #R01 MH41766, "Impact of Alzheimer's-Disease on Family Caregivers," - funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health, Clare Collins, Principal Investigator. Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. Clare Collins, A230 Life Sciences Building, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 4882471313. For further information call 1-800-654-8219 or (517) 355-0305.