Information needs of family caregivers of persons with cognitive versus physical deficits.

This study compared information needs of caregivers of persons with dementia with caregivers of those who received rehabilitation treatment. Caregivers were provided a 48-item survey and asked to choose their top ten information needs. Dementia caregivers' (n = 33) top needs were dealing with forgetfulness/confusion (91%) and repeating questions/actions (61%) in care recipients. Rehabilitation caregivers' (n = 40) top needs were handling care recipients' mobility problems (75%) and dealing with their own stress (65%). Dementia caregivers focused on care recipients' needs related to behavioral symptoms, whereas rehabilitation caregivers focused on needs related to physical care of care recipients and their own needs.