Exploring the roles of men. Caring for demented relatives

1. Men are under-represented among family members providing care to a demented relative. 2. Few differences were noted among the male caregivers: men with demented relatives at home spent more time daily on caregiving tasks although both groups of men tended to rely on others for the "hands-on" care needed; institutionalized demented relatives were rated as being more impaired than those at home; and men caring for relatives at home seemed determined to continue in their role. 3. It is possible that men find it more difficult to become caregivers because of lack of support from other family members, the impairment of the relative and the need for direct care, and men's lack of involvement in providing direct care. 4. Nurses involved in dementia care should offer instructional sessions aimed at men, provide assistance in working through emotional problems, and encourage their participation in future research on the male caregiving experience.