December 2008

FSU RESEARCHER SEEKING AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAREGIVERS TO TAKE PART IN STUDY

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A Florida State University researcher is seeking African-American adult caregivers who care for a loved one with dementia at least six hours a day and have a strong need to reduce their stress.

Rob Glueckauf, professor of medical humanities and social sciences at the Florida State University College of Medicine, is researching the best way to make sure caregivers receive some care, too. His research will compare the effects of telephone-based versus in-person skills building and support for African-American dementia caregivers on changes in emotional distress and health status over time. The study is a collaboration of FSU, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and Florida International University.

The responsibility of being a primary caregiver for a loved one with dementia often comes with a heavy cost, especially for African-American caregivers, who are substantially more likely than other caregivers to perform the most demanding tasks, including bathing and toileting, and spend a disproportionately higher percentage of their monthly income for the care recipient’s needs.

Interested participants should call the project staff at (850) 645-2745 or (866) 778-2724 (toll-free), or e-mail william.davis@med.fsu.edu. Caregivers are eligible to receive up to $100 for their participation in the study.

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