Date of Conferral

6-23-2025

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Karine Clay

Abstract

Primary unpaid family caregivers of Alzheimer’s care recipients endure physical fatigue, emotional stress, psychological pressures, and health issues that could hinder their capacity to deliver consistent care. Respite care services can help reduce caregiver burden and enhance health outcomes; therefore, examining and evaluating their effectiveness is beneficial in meeting the needs of primary unpaid family caregivers. This study was conducted to address a lack of information in the literature and to evaluate the efficacy of respite care services for primary unpaid family caregivers of Alzheimer’s care recipients in Alaska and their caregivers’ awareness of and motivation to utilize these services to reduce caregiver burden. This qualitative case study, grounded on resilience and person-centered theories, explored participants’ perspectives on the efficacy, use, and non-use of respite care and the primary unpaid family caregivers’ awareness of and motivation to use or not use these services. Data were collected through a review of archival documents and interviews with two respite care agency administrators, five respite care agency staff members, and three family member caregivers. A thematic data analysis was used to code, categorize, develop themes, and interpret the findings. The key findings show that respite care is effective with breaks in caregiving, a support system, a caregiver shortage, increased respite care hours, and additional training. Positive social change implications of this research would include timely referral to respite care services for primary unpaid family caregivers of Alzheimer’s care recipients. A recommendation is that medical providers become more supportive and educate caregivers on the Alzheimer’s decline process.

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