Henriksen, Nils

Background: Family caregivers contribute substantially to the care for older home-dwelling people with dementia, although community healthcare services tend to be underutilized. In this study, we aimed to explore the use and predictors of use of home-based and out-of-home respite care services available to older home-dwelling persons with dementia, as reported by the family caregivers. Method: A cross-sectional survey was administered to family caregivers (n = 430) in Northern Norway during April to November 2016.

This cross-sectional study explored factors affecting information about available health services, content of services provided, and involvement in decisions regarding services as perceived by the family caregivers of home-dwelling persons with dementia in Northern Norway. Altogether, 788 family caregivers were invited to participate in a survey, with a response rate of 54.6% (n = 430). The respondents reported modest levels of perceived information and involvement. Few of the expected predictors were associated with the outcomes.