Appropriateness in acquiring a family caregiver interview from older adults with suspected cognitive impairment

This study attempted to identify the factors associated with the completion of a family caregiver interview among a sample of older adults with suspec ted cognitive impairment. From a random-digit dial methodology, we identifi ed 3,726 individuals greater than or equal to 70 years of age with a family caregiver living in Arkansas. Of that number, 730 (19.6%) screened positiv e for suspected cognitive impairment. Of those who screened positive, we co llected complete data on 532 (73% completion rate). Of these 532 participan ts, we gathered complete data on 376 of their family caregivers (71% comple tion rate). We developed a multivariate logistic regression model that esti mated correlates (sociodemographic, accessibility, awareness, and utilizati on of services, and health status characteristics) of the older adults with suspected cognitive impairment and a family caregiver who completed an int erview Multivariate analysis found that a complete caregiver interview was associated with being male, engaging in more face-to-face contact with fami ly members other than the family caregiver, having more visits to the physi cian (excluding a psychiatrist) and having more difficulties performing ins trumental activities of daily living. This paper discusses the implications of using telephone interviews to collect and evaluate data on the health s tatus and health service needs of older adults with suspected cognitive imp airment. Findings suggest the importance of completing a concomitant interv iew with a family caregiver. Health care policymakers and providers may wan t to pay particular attention to older adults with fewer family contacts wh en planning access to care services.