Information Needs of Family Caregivers of People With Dementia

Abstract

Purpose: Understanding caregiver needs is essential when caring for people with dementia. The aim of this study was to identify family caregivers' information needs as perceived by home care workers and the caregivers themselves.

Design: This study used a descriptive survey design and convenience sampling.

Methods: The two groups of care providers were given a list of 48 items and asked to choose caregivers' top 10 information needs.

Findings: Group 1 (n = 33 unpaid family caregivers) identified dealing with behavior changes and group 2 (n = 59 paid home care workers) identified providing personal care as most important.

Conclusion: While differences between these groups emerged, both care providers chose more items related to needing help for the care recipient, than items related to needing help for the caregivers themselves, e.g., support group.

Clinical relevance: These information needs can be used by rehabilitation nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop educational materials and supportive interventions.

Keywords: Caregivers; cognitive; education; information needs.