Factors that impact the differential utilization of formal support services by Cuban Hispanic and non-Cuban Hispanic caregivers

This study examines the factors that impact the utilization of formal support services by Hispanic informal caregivers caring for a person with Alzheimer Disease and related disorders (ADRD) and utilizes data from the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer Caregiver?s Health (REACH) project. The current study examines potential factors that influence the utilization of formal support services and areas of unmet need for Hispanic caregivers. This study also examines the intra-heterogeneity of Hispanic caregivers. To examine utilization of services by Hispanic caregivers, a model for service utilization was analyzed using structural equation modeling. To examine potential group differences between Cuban and non-Hispanic Cuban caregivers, multigroup structural equation modeling was conducted with a covariance structure of variables of interest. The results of the study did not support this first hypothesis which examines factors that influence service utilization. Only one of the predictors, level of education, was found to be significantly correlated with service utilization. The results of the study supported the second hypothesis that Cuban Hispanic and non-Cuban Hispanic caregivers were not equivalent across the set of predictor variables examined. A significant finding, however, was that caregiver psychological distress and the care recipient?s health status were significantly correlated to service utilization for the non-Cuban Hispanic caregivers, but not for the Cuban Hispanic caregivers. Treatment implications for this study are that homogenous interventions may not be able to meet the needs of this diverse population. It will be important for interventions and services developed for Hispanic populations to include education about Alzheimer?s disease symptoms, progression of the disease, and services available to meet the caregiver and care recipient needs throughout the duration of the caregiving experience. Based on the results of this study, it is important for treatment providers to assist caregivers to increase awareness of opportunities for service utilization. It is important for the psychologist to be mindful the difficulty of seeking services for all home-based caregivers, particularly lower educated Hispanic caregivers. Service providers should work to understand the worldview and the perspective of caregiving that may vary between the different ethnic groups that fall under the Hispanic umbrella.