Qualitative Needs Assessment of Caregivers Providing Care

Qualitative Needs Assessment of Caregivers Providing Care for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease Lena Bush Department of Community and Environmental Health Boise State University 1910 University Drive – Boise, Idaho 83725 USA

Facility Advisor: Dr. Sarah Toevs PhD Professor and Chair, Department of Community and Environmental Health Director, Center for the Study of Aging

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to conduct a qualitative needs assessment of caregivers providing care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The results will be used in the development of a statewide plan for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias for Idaho. The specific aim of this study was to conduct telephone interviews with 10 caregivers to identify their needs. The resources they are currently using, as well as, the resources that would help them in their role as a caregiver in the future. The Institutional Review Board at Boise State University first approved all research procedures (23 September 2011 IRB # EX680-SB11-121). Names and telephone contact information for potential participants was obtained from the Directors of the six regional Area Agencies on Aging in Idaho. Then each agency director was asked to contact 2-3 caregivers in their region to determine if they would be interested in participating in the Needs Assessment. The names and phone numbers of those expressing an interest were then sent by email to the researchers. Telephone interviews with interested participants were then followed up with the researcher scheduling a time for the interview to take place.. The interviews took approximately 30 minutes to complete, and were recorded with the permission of each participant, for note taking purposes. The interviews were completed over a period of four weeks and no follow-up phone calls were conducted. Qualitative analysis was used to identify themes, trends and results were reported in aggregate, and no names of the interviewees or the individuals they provided care for will be included in the report. Participants represented caregivers in both urban and rural areas and had been providing care for 3 to 7 years. The majority of the participants had a computer in their home and had access to the internet. Findings indicate that most have support from either family members or friends or a paid assistant. All caregivers reported having access to information about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias with the majority identifying the Alzheimer’s Association as their primary source. When asked what information they would want to share with other caregivers, participants encouraged others to use the supports available in the community, learn about the disease, and learn how to respond, i.e., don’t argue, with the person they are caring for.

Keywords: Caregiving, Alzheimers, Dementia