Utilization of Respite Services: A Comparison of Users, Seekers, and Nonseekers

• Published in: Journal of applied gerontology Vol. 20; no. 1; pp. 111 - 132
• Main Authors: Kosloski, Karl, Montgomery, Rhonda J. V., Youngbauer, John G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications 01.03.2001; Sage; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Alzheimer's Disease; Biological and medical sciences; Caregiver Burden; Caregivers; Comparative analysis; Degenerative and inherited degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Leukodystrophies. Prion diseases; Elderly; Family; Health services utilization; Help Seeking Behavior; Home health care; Medical sciences; Michigan; Neurology; Social Services Utilization; Human; Evaluation; Nervous system diseases; Alzheimer disease; Use; Caregiver; Health service; Cerebral disorder; Rest; Central nervous system disease; Degenerative disease; Elderly; Comparative study; Social help
• ISSN: 0733-4648; 1552-4523
• DOI: 10.1177/073346480102000107

Four hundred fifty-eight family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients in Michigan were interviewed to identify factors associated with respite use. Of these caregivers, 176 were using respite (users), 128 had inquired about the service but had not yet used it (seekers), and 154 had neither used nor inquired about respite services (nonseekers). Separate logistic regression models were evaluated to identify users versus nonusers (n = 458) and seekers versus nonseekers (n = 282). Need for assistance with activities of daily living, availability of other caregivers, concern with cost, and adherence by the respite programto an established service schedule contributed significantly to the model distinguishing service users from nonusers. Caregiver burden, the presence of other caregivers, and the availability of transportation services made significant, unique contributions to the model distinguishing seekers from nonseekers.