A comparison of black and white family caregivers experience with dementia.

The chronicity of dementia and the ever-increasing need for care of those afflicted, places tremendous burden on the family and those individuals who assume primary responsibility for caregiving. In this descriptive study, the investigators report findings comparing Black and White families' experiences with dementia, specifically, the problems associated with caregiving, the coping strategies used by the caregivers and the various forms of supportive modalities that help family caregivers provide care. Study findings indicated differences between the Black and White caregivers in identifying the single most difficult problem that they had in caring for their confused relative. Differences in coping strategies between the two groups of caregivers are noted as well. Black caregivers of all ages used religious faith as a primary means of coping with the stresses of caregiving while White caregivers tended to seek help from professionals and use problem-solving methods. The implications of the study findings for structuring interventions are discussed. Implications of this study concern three areas: 1) respite services; 2) individual and family counseling; and 3) education.