Formal caregivers' competence of Alzheimer patients in long-term care institutions

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a major public health problem and the most common cause of dementia that cripples the cognitive and physical aspects of a person’s life. Formal caregivers' competence highly affects providing proper care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Aim: The study aimed to assess the formal caregivers' competence of Alzheimer Patients in long-term care institutions. Design: Descriptive research design was applied in this study. Sample: A Convenient sample of 70 formal caregivers dealing with Alzheimer patients. Setting: The study conducted at six geriatric homes (Minia –Egypt). Tools: Two tools were used, first tool: structured interviewing questionnaire covered demographic characteristics of formal caregivers and formal caregiver’s knowledge regarding Alzheimer, second tool: Formal caregiver’s attitude regarding Alzheimer, third tool: Formal caregiver’s competence regarding Alzheimer. Result: The study showed that, 50% of studied caregivers had poor Knowledge, 60% studied caregivers had negative attitude and 55% of studied caregivers had higher competence regarding Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: there were high statistically significant relation between total knowledge and total attitude, total knowledge and total competence, total competence and total attitude. Recommendation: Disseminating health education booklets,poster to increase caregivers awarness about Alzheimer's disease.