DC Department of Health Needs Assessment

What is our purpose?

This study is guided by the question, "What are the resources, supports and needs of primary caregivers for older adults with cognitive." We address this question with two primary objects, 1) Identify areas of unmet need/support for primary caregivers of persons with cognitive impairment or dementia in DC. 2) Examine the lived experience of primary caregivers for older adults with cognitive impairment.

How are we studying?

This study examines the experience and needs of primary caregivers for older adults with cognitive impairment in DC. The research literature provides limited insight into this experience, and it is also dependent on local resources, supports and community culture. This study will specifically focus on caregivers in DC and their perception of their day to day experiences and needs.

How to get involved:

Recruitment for the focus groups will include 12-16 unpaid primary caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment residing in Washington DC between the ages of 18 and 90. Our primary strategy is to recruit 2 groups of caregivers with the assistance of community partners that the Center for Aging, Health and Humanities has worked with in previous education, research and clinical activities. DC ACL would like to prioritize, but not limit participants to residents of Ward 7, Ward 8, and Ward 5.