ABSTRACT
T he purpose of this chapter is to highlight the important role of caregivers in the treatment continuum for persons with dementia, as well as the role of the SLP in advising and supporting caregivers throughout this process. In past years, prior to the explosion of direct interventions for persons with dementia, the SLP’s work with caregivers was to provide assistance indirectly to persons with dementia through their caregivers, primarily in the form of education about the diagnosis and future planning (Clark, 1997). Research into models of caregiving and interventions for caregivers has increased in the past decade, revealing the need for a menu of training approaches for caregivers based on their unique demographic characteristics, support needs, educational level, and relationship to the care recipient, and a variety of socioeconomic factors. The challenge to professionals in providing advice to caregivers is a range of emotional and psychosocial barriers that interfere with the acceptance and implementation of caregiving recommendations.
