[Voluntary help in dementia - predictors for utilisation and expected quality from a family caregiver's point of view]. / Ehrenamtlicher Betreuungsdienst bei Demenz - Prädiktoren der Inanspruchnahme und Qualitätserwartungen aus Sicht pflegender Angehöriger.

Although support services are considered cost-effective in the relief of care-giving family members of dementia patients, there has been little research to date on the predictors of use and quality expectations. These two questions are examined for the first time based on cross-sectional data of 404 care-giving family members, users and non-users of voluntary help services. Quantitative data are evaluated using binary logistical regression analysis, qualitative data using content analysis. The rating of how helpful the use of a voluntary help service is in the personal situation was found to be the only significant predictor of use. With respect to quality, it is most important that the persons giving support be punctual and well-trained. To increase the rate of use, care-giving family members must be convinced of the relevant benefits of using a voluntary help service. In addition, attention must be paid to the professional organization and training of voluntary helpers.

[Dementia caregiver skill training--predictors for utilisation and expected quality from the family caregiver's point of view]. / Pflegekurse--Prädiktoren der Inanspruchnahme und Qualitätserwartungen aus Sicht pflegender Angehöriger eines Demenzpatienten.

AIM: Which variables are predictors for the utilisation of caregiver skill training and what are the views of caregivers about its quality? METHOD: A written survey of 404 family caregivers of dementia patients was carried out. RESULTS: The estimation of helpfulness of skill training, lower level of education of the caregiver and higher age of the dementia patient are significant predictors. Caregivers most frequently expressed a wish for practical instruction on caregiving activities.