Perceived Choice to Provide Care and Recognition of Dementia Symptoms: Impact on Caregivers’ Caregiving Experiences

Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide, with more than 11 million informal caregivers providing care. Caregivers experience physical, psychological, and social stresses, making it crucial to understand their caregiving experience. This study assessed whether the caregivers' perceived choice to provide care and recognition of dementia symptoms influenced their caregiving experiences. A secondary cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Alliance for Caregiving, including 927 caregivers. Caregiving experience was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression were used. Caregivers who perceived they had a choice to provide care were significantly more likely to report positive experiences (ARR = 1.39, <i>P ≤</i> .001). Recognition of dementia symptoms was not significantly associated with caregiving experience. However, the combination of perceived choice and recognition of dementia symptoms, particularly from one event, was associated with the most positive caregiving experiences. Findings suggest the need for caregiver choice-support and dementia education programs.