Impact of Formal Services on Care Recipient Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia and Caregiver Burden: A Scoping Review
Adam Mohammed, Ishan C. Williams, Meghan K. MattosBackground
Informal caregivers of persons living with dementia experience high caregiver burden, with behavioral problems among care recipients being a significant contributing factor.
Objective
This scoping review synthesized evidence on the effects of formal services on caregiver burden and care recipient behavioral problems.
Methods
A literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE to identify relevant studies published from January 2014 to December 2025.
Results
One hundred full-text articles were reviewed, and 15 met eligibility criteria. The review revealed four types of formal services: care management programs, caregiver education/training programs, support groups, and respite services. Most services associated with reducing caregiver burden and behavioral problems focused on educating or training caregivers. Findings suggest that various formal services, especially when delivered in person, may help reduce caregiver burden and behavioral problems among care recipients. Evidence-based dyadic interventions are needed to support caregivers and their care recipients in community settings.