April 12, 2002

Study Aims to Help Informal Caregivers in the State

The Center for Social Research in conjunction with the North Dakota State Data Center at North Dakota State University will be conducting a random telephone survey throughout North Dakota in April and May to interview caregivers about their experiences, their concerns, and the use and availability of services. The survey is being conducted on behalf of the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Aging Services Division. Results will be used to help develop a service delivery system to respond to the needs of the state’s informal caregivers.

"If contacted, we hope North Dakotans will assist in this very important study. Our goals are to identify barriers to informal care, as well as to supply educational materials and resources to help North Dakotans who are providing informal care," said Linda Wright, division director of Aging Services.

The study is being funded under the Older Americans Act, National Family Caregiver Support Program and focuses on the needs of caregivers who are providing care to individuals age 60 and older, as well as grandparents who are providing care to a grandchild under the age of 18.

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Sources: Dr. Richard Rathge, Director, North Dakota State Data Center, (701) 231-8621, Richard.Rathge@ndsu.nodak.edu;
Nancy Shantz, Program Administrator, North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Aging Services Division, (701) 328-8910, soshan@state.nd.us
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu