Social Interactions between Family and Community-Based Service Providers in Dementia Caregiving

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial experiences in community-based dementia caregiving by assessing the characteristics of social interactions between family caregivers and community-based service providers and associated psychological responses.

Methods: Two independent groups of participants (family caregivers and community-based service providers) completed a one-time survey to report their social interactions and psychological states. A linear regression model was fit for each outcome (satisfaction, 10-item CES-D) while controlling for significant relevant covariates.

Results: Higher perceived levels of collaboration were associated with higher job satisfaction and lower depression score among service providers, and higher satisfaction with providers among family caregivers. Higher perceived social support from the provider was associated with higher satisfaction among family caregivers.

Conclusions: Participants reported varying levels of provider-family collaboration. The extent of collaborations and support exchange may have implications on the psychological well-being of those providing care to individuals with dementia including families and providers.

Clinical implications: It may be beneficial to identify providers and families who perceive low levels of collaboration and implement intervention to facilitate positive social interactions. Developing organizational culture and payment systems that value high-quality social interactions may help enhance the psychological well-being of service providers and satisfaction among families who receive their services.

KEYWORDS:

• collaboration
• community-based service providers
• dementia caregiving
• family caregivers
• social interactions
• social support

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the University of Iowa Aging Mind and Brain Initiative and the University of Iowa Center on Aging. We would like to thank the participants of this study for their time and sharing their information.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the University of Iowa Aging Mind and Brain Initiative and the University of Iowa Center on Aging.