Voluntary help in dementia - predictors for utilisation and expected quality from a family caregiver's point of view

• Published in: Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie Vol. 78; no. 9; p. 536
• Main Authors: Grässel, E, Luttenberger, K, Römer, H, Donath, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01-09-2010
• Subjects: Aged; Caregivers - economics; Caregivers - psychology; Cost of Illness; Dementia - economics; Dementia - therapy; Female; Germany; Health Resources - economics; Health Resources - utilization; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Social Support; Voluntary Health Agencies - economics; Voluntary Health Agencies - utilization; Germany
• ISSN: 1439-3522
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1245249

Although support services are considered cost-effective in the relief of care-giving family members of dementia patients, there has been little research to date on the predictors of use and quality expectations. These two questions are examined for the first time based on cross-sectional data of 404 care-giving family members, users and non-users of voluntary help services. Quantitative data are evaluated using binary logistical regression analysis, qualitative data using content analysis. The rating of how helpful the use of a voluntary help service is in the personal situation was found to be the only significant predictor of use. With respect to quality, it is most important that the persons giving support be punctual and well-trained. To increase the rate of use, care-giving family members must be convinced of the relevant benefits of using a voluntary help service. In addition, attention must be paid to the professional organization and training of voluntary helpers.