Seeking to Understand Telephone Support for Dementia Caregivers

Abstract

Caregivers of persons with dementia encounter particular challenges in their roles and often experience unmet needs for information and emotional support. This article describes a qualitative descriptive study designed to explore the intervention of telephone support for such caregivers. Data were collected from both caregivers and telephone support providers. Results revealed that telephone support met four specific needs of dementia caregivers: the need for (a) information and education, (b) referral and/or assistance required to navigate through the system, (c) emotional support, and (d) caregiver support that is convenient and hassle free. Caregivers’ main experience with the intervention was the sense of companionship, whereas service providers experienced mixed feelings of helplessness and an opportunity to empower caregivers.