Race and caregiving: Patterns of service use by African American and white caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease

Over the progressive course of Alzheimer's disease, a continuum of services is needed to assist caregivers in coping with the changing demands of the patient. Yet, studies continue to indicate that caregivers use few programs with use particularly poor among minority groups. This longitudinal study of 300 African-American and white caregivers seeking assistance from the Alzheimer's Association indicates that non-use is pervasive among both groups even though almost all report both needs for and intentions to use I & R services and support groups. The findings indicate that support groups can have a positive impact on well-being, efforts should be made to encourage participation, particularly for the most vulnerable caregivers.