Some families experiencing Alzheimer's disease (AD) have unmet expectations regarding provision of ministerial support with resultant dissatisfaction. A descriptive survey of ministers and families was conducted and results indicated that ministers were current in knowledge and symptom recognition of dementia. Appropriate judgment and guidance of the AD family with some limitation in understanding was evident as the family's needs changed over time. Consensus was lacking in the family group in ministerial role expectations and in level of current satisfaction. Conclusions point to incomplete communication between family and ministers which, if corrected, would yield mutual understanding of needs.
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