Knowledge and use of community services among family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients.

The number of people with dementia residing within the community is steadily increasing. Community services can alleviate the burdens experienced by families, but are used infrequently by families of dementia patients. Caregivers (N = 93) of dementia patients were surveyed regarding their knowledge and use of community services. The most frequently used services were family support groups and home health aides. Overall, service use was low despite high levels of perceived availability of services. Older and less educated caregivers had higher levels of uncertainty about service availability. Depressed caregivers were less likely to know about service availability. Implications for practice and research are presented.