Services for Persons with Dementia and Their Families: A Survey of Information and Referral Agencies in Michigan

Abstract

In planning a statewide Dementia Program, Michigan agencies (N = 244) providing geriatric information and referral (I&R) were surveyed to determine service availability, families' needs, and problems providing I&R for persons with dementia and their families. Home-delivered meals, nursing and social work assessments were considered most available. Medical assessment, however, was considered “very available” by only 60%. Respite and adult day care were least available and most needed. Least was known about autopsy and financial services. For several services, non-urban areas reported less availability than urban areas. With additional information and training, existing agencies could provide more available and extensive I&R for persons with dementia and their families, forming a statewide network.

Alzheimer's disease, Urban/rural differences