FAQs and Resources for Dementia Patients’ Caregivers - #78
Take QuizCaregivers of dementia patients are key members of the care team. Establishing a partnership with the caregiver and supporting them in their role improves the quality of life for both the caregiver and the dementia patient. Identifying caregiver questions and providing targeted resource/referrals is a key physician role. There is a wealth of excellent and evidence based resources for dementia caregivers – from answers to FAQs about what to expect as dementia progresses to training videos for care tasks – making referral a timely and effective approach to be used by any member of the health care team.
FAQ of Dementia Patient Caregivers:
1. Understanding Caregiving by Stage:
A. Questions:
- What can I expect re: thinking and behavior at different times in this disease?
- What care options are available, and when might they be needed?
B. Resources:
- Alz.org:
- FCA CareJourney
2. Caregiver Self-Care:
A. Questions:
- How can I take care of myself?
- How can I lower my stress?
B. Resources
- Caregiver Stress 8 Item Quiz
- Taking Care of You: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
- Alzheimer Association 24/7 Hotline: 1.800.272.3900
3. Education/Skills:
A. Questions:
- How do I learn to _______? [give injections, tube feedings, catheter care, ostomy care]
- How do I manage bathing, driving, and dental care?
- Where are the training resources in my state?
B. Resources:
- AARP Home Alone Alliance
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Department of Health Services (Wisconsin)
4. Local and/or Immediate Help:
A. Questions:
- How can I get help/support services in my community?
- Where can I call if I need help urgently, 24/7?
B.Resources:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- 24/7 Hotline 1.800.272.3900
Health care team members outpatient/primary care settings who need to provide resources for caregivers of dementia patients.
Answer/address frequently asked by dementia patient caregivers questions (FAQs) through referral to evidence based, on-line and/or community resources.
Many caregivers of dementia patients (77%) report they need more information about support services. (1) Your dementia patient’s functional history (e.g., number of activity of daily living impairments/dependencies) is often an indicator of how much work the caregiver is providing. This in turn can be a gauge of caregiver burnout risk. (2)
Science Principles
- Identify frequently asked questions of dementia patient caregivers
- Provide available on-line and community resources to caregivers
Review of Systems (ROS)
Geriatric Topics
ACGME Compentencies
Science Principles
- Collins, L.G., Swartz, K. (2011). Caregiver care. American Family Physician, 83(11), 1309-17.
- Barczi, s. Personal Communication. June 11, 2018.
- Thomas P, Lalloue F, Preux P-M et al. (2006). Dementia patients’ caregivers’ quality of life: The PIXEL study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 21:50-56.
- Vandepitte S, Van den Noortgate N, Putman K, Verhaeghe S, Faes K, Annemans L. Effectiveness of supporting informal caregivers of people with dementia: a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2016 Jan 1;52(3):929-65.