Racial Differences in Respite Use among Black and White Caregivers for People Living with Dementia

Objectives: To examine racial differences in respite utilization among a nationally representative sample of caregivers for persons living with dementia (PLwD). A secondary aim identified factors associated with respite utilization. Methods: Using data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving, we conducted binary logistic regression to examine racial difference in respite use among Black and white caregivers (n = 750). Results: 22% of the sample used respite for PLwD. Black dementia caregivers were 69% less likely (odds ratio: .31, p = .001) to use respite compared to white caregivers. Other factors associated with utilization included education, receiving help with caregiving, and providing care for more self-care/mobility tasks or to a Medicaid-enrollee. Discussion: Findings suggest that Black dementia caregivers may be at risk for less frequent use of respite and highlight the need to identify factors that promote respite use.