Caring for the caregiver in dementia

Specific populations have distinct needs. Some caregivers, including members of the LGBTQ+ community and different racial and ethnic groups, as well as caregivers of people with younger-onset dementia, may have additional support needs.²⁸

More than 11 million Americans provided more than 18 billion hours in unpaid support for individuals with dementia in 2022, averaging 30 hours of care per caregiver per week.

For example, African American and ­Latino caregivers tend to have caregiving relationships of longer duration, requiring more time-­intensive care, but use fewer formal support services than White caregivers.²⁹ Caregivers from non-White racial and ethnic groups also are more likely to experience discrimination when interacting with health care services on behalf of care recipients.³⁰

Having an awareness of potential specialized needs may help to prevent or address potential care disparities, and cultural humility may help to improve caregiver experiences with primary care physicians.

Resources to support caregivers

Family physicians are well situated to provide informational and emotional support for both patients with dementia and their informal care providers.³¹ Given the variability of caregiver concerns, multicomponent interventions addressing informational, self-care, social support, and financial needs often are needed.³¹ Supportive counseling and psychoeducation can help dementia caregivers with stress management, self-care, coping, and skills training—supporting the development of self-efficacy.^32,33

Outside resources. Although significant caregiver support can be provided directly by the physician, caregivers should be connected with outside resources, including support groups, counselors, psychotherapists, financial and legal support, and formal care services.³⁴

Continue to: Psychosocial and complementary interventions