Assessing Logistical Challenges for Caregivers of Dementia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Ngo Victoria, Marfeo Elizabeth, Shirk Steven, Chamberlin Elizabeth, Moo Lauren
Primary Institution: Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States; Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
Hypothesis
Family caregivers face significant logistical challenges when coordinating healthcare visits for persons living with dementia.
Conclusion
The Visit-Associated Logistics Assessment (VALA) is a new tool that helps identify and address the logistical challenges faced by family caregivers.
Supporting Evidence
- Family caregivers experience high care burden as the care recipient ages.
- Increased caregiver burden leads to missed appointments and negative health outcomes.
- The VALA was developed through expert feedback and cognitive interviews.
- The assessment covers six functional domains related to visit coordination.
- Initial testing showed the VALA has low respondent burden and good content coverage.
Takeaway
This study created a new assessment tool to help caregivers manage the challenges of taking care of loved ones with dementia, making it easier for them to attend medical appointments.
Methodology
The study used expert feedback, cognitive interviews, and field testing to develop and validate the VALA.
Participant Demographics
Family caregivers of persons living with dementia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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