The purpose of this study was to determine correlates of selected caregiver attitudes toward
community services in a sample of 215 spouse caregivers of persons with dementia. Predictors of
two types of attitudes differed, confirming the multidimensionality and specificity of attitude for
mation. Caregivers with higher levels of caregiving mastery, lower levels of caregiverprepared
ness, less education, and more helpers had a greater likelihood of having confidence and trust in
use of services. Women, African Americans, service users, and those with lower levels of caregiv
ing mastery had a greater likelihood of accepting government and community services. The find
ings highlight the complexity of the idea that improving attitudes toward community services will
lead to greater use of caregiver support resources.
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