Caregiving management needs and predictors for family caregivers of persons with dementia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Family caregivers of persons with dementia are faced with complex caregiving management needs. This study had two aims: (1) to identify caregiving management needs of family caregivers of persons with dementia and (2) identify any variables that might influence these needs. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited family caregivers of persons with dementia (N = 250) through referrals from clinicians at a dementia outpatient clinic in Northern Taiwan. Data were collected with a 32-item researcher-developed instrument, the Caregiving Management Needs Scale (CMNS), to identify management needs specific to family caregivers of persons with dementia. The CMNS was comprised of questions about the types of assistance or support family caregivers would like to receive to facilitate caregiving. Results CMNS scores indicated caregivers had moderate management needs. Caregivers of relatives with a moderate severity of dementia had significantly higher scores on the CMNS compared with caregivers of persons with very mild dementia (p