Physicians increasingly are expected to link patients affected by dementia and theirfamilies with
community support services; yet, little is known about physicians' referral patterns or their fa
miliarity with such services. This study of 206 physicians found that respondents were more
likely to refer dementia patients and families to home health agencies and nursing homes than to
respite or adult day care, the local Alzheimer's Association, or the local Area Agency on Aging.
Physicians with more than 20 dementia patients in their practices were most likely to refer. Un
certainty about available community services was ranked higher than time or reimbursement
constraints as a barrier to care for dementia patients. Physicians in practice 1 to 5 years were
more uncertain about available services than physicians in practice more than 20 years. Crea
tive interventions to link physicians with community support services specializing in dementia
care would benefit physicians, patients, and family caregivers.
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