FCRP Policy Statement

Researchers involved in the Family Care Research Program at Michigan State University have begun to assess out-of-pocket expenses for caregivers of patients with dementia who reside in the home. The expenses for supplies not reimbursed by Medicare or private insurance are paid for by families. This information can contribute to policy decisions regarding payment for supplies and services needed by dementia patients residing in the community.

Characteristics of the sample:

Data was obtained from 182 family caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease patients residing in Michigan by interview to determine the out-of-pocket expenditures of caregivers during the past three months. The following information was reported:

Results of in-depth interview with family caregivers:

Reveal that families supporting and providing care for a dementia patient experience substantial financial burden as a result of the costs of providing care in the home.

Policy implications:

Reimbursement for home care services (capped at an annual rate) from which families may select needed services to assist with home care.

Research needed:

• Funding for research on caregivers' decisions to forgo needed services and supplies because of inability to pay.
• Funding for research to study the impact of prolonged out-of-pocket expenditures on the financial and emotional well-being of families.

This research supported by grant #RO1 NH41766, "Impact of Alzheimer's Disease on Family Caregivers," funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.