Support Needs via Telephone Immediately After a Dementia Diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Dementia prevalence is rising in Japan, increasing the burden on family caregivers.
• Caregivers often face psychological distress and limited access to support due to time and location constraints.
• Telephone-based counseling presents a viable support option, especially for older caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the willingness of dementia caregivers to use telephone consultation support.
• To identify characteristics of caregivers who would benefit from telephone support.
• To inform the development of effective caregiver support strategies.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 116 primary caregivers of individuals newly diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
• Self-administered questionnaires assessed caregiver demographics, health, social support, and willingness to use telephone consultations.
• Chi-square tests compared characteristics of caregivers willing versus unwilling to use telephone support.

Main Results:

• 48 caregivers expressed willingness to use telephone support.
• Willing caregivers had higher rates of depressive symptoms, less instrumental support, and handled more medical calls.
• Caregivers with chronic shoulder pain were less likely to use telephone support.

Conclusions:

• Telephone support is valuable for caregivers who are primary health communicators, lack support, and show depressive symptoms.
• Alternative support methods are needed for caregivers with physical limitations.
• Early, tailored interventions are essential for supporting family caregivers post-diagnosis.