The benefits of consumer-directed services for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease

Because a substantial portion of care provided to persons with Alzheimer's disease comes from families, it is beneficial to understand what services are most useful to caregivers in supporting a family member in the community. This article summarizes a project designed to explore the benefits of consumer-directed services, in which 112 caregivers were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group at intake. Results suggest that caregivers who take a consumer-directed (self-determined) path have a greater likelihood of extending their caregiving role than those who have access to traditional aging services only. Encouraging consumer-directed behavior is discussed as an avenue for social service providers to pursue when supporting caregivers and care receivers in remaining in the community.