Caregiver’s Position Creating Dementia Care Networks in a Rural Area in Mexico

AbstractBackgroundDementia prevalence in Mexico is 9% over 65 years old, 28% of those patients live in rural areas, dementia care in rural communities face special challenges due to often geographical, economical, sociocultural, functional and inaccessibility1. Although in the country dementia care is mostly family dependent and locally integrated there is a scarcity of data about their networks2.ObjectiveTo describe the dementia caregiver´s position given the possibility of creating a network of care in a rural area in Mexico.MethodWe analyzed information from 13 dyads (patient and primary caregiver), evaluated in incidence phase of Dementia Research Group 10/66 protocol in Mexico. Dementia was established according to the 10/66 algorithm. We asked about: 1) relationship with neighbors, 2) with other relatives, 3) willingness to spend time with relatives of other dementia patients, 4) and to participate in a scheme of rotation of care among other families with dementia patients.ResultsMean age of patients was 84.4±4.2 years and 61.5% were women. Caregiver´s mean age was 54.8±16.0 years, 69.2% were female. Regarding employment, 38.5% merchants, and 53.8% homemakers, 23.7% were widowers, single or separated, and 69.2% were married. 93.2% have economic dependents and their average monthly income was 146±84 USD. There were no differences by gender in spend‐time and relationships with neighbors and relatives. 66.7% spend‐time with their neighbors, 83.3% believe their relationship with the neighbors is good or very good. Half of the relatives say they do not know other families of dementia patients, 66.7% would spend‐time with these families and 91.7% are willing to share their experiences. 83.3% would be willing to spend time in group sessions, but only 41.7% would be willing to care for other patients and only 25.0% would leave others take care of their patients.ConclusionDementia care networks are highly influenced by caregivers, patients, and community surrounding their characteristics. In our study, despite a good relationship within the community and the desire to share experiences, the provision both to care and to let care is low, understanding this phenomenon could be crucial in the implementation of strategies for dementia care in these rural areas.