Lifespan Respite Grant: Caregiver Needs and Provider Survey Report

Prepared by the Aging Services and Office of Performance Outcomes and Accountability, Oklahoma Department of Human Services

In 2013 the Oklahoma Department of Human Services received a grant from the Administration for Community Living to enhance the support available to people who care
for others across the lifespan. Two separate surveys were conducted to address the goals of this grant. Both surveys were administered electronically through the Business Enterprise
Survey Tool (BEST), the online survey software tool used by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

The first survey was completed by caregivers and aimed to learn more about the available resources and unmet needs of caregivers in Oklahoma. Participation invitations for the Caregiver Survey were extended via email to 261 individuals who attended caregiver conferences, workshops or support groups, or applied for caregiver services. The survey link was activated on June 2, 2016 and remained open until June 20, 2016. Paper copies of the survey were also distributed to caregivers at caregiver workshops provided by the Alzheimer’s Association and Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative. In total, 132 caregivers completed the survey.

The second survey was completed by caregiver service providers and aimed to learn more about the availability and capacity of caregiver support services in Oklahoma. Participation invitations for the Provider Survey were extended via email to 99 employees of caregiver support agencies/organizations. The survey link was activated on June 15, 2016 and remained open until July 15, 2016. Paper copies of the Provider Survey were also made available. In total, 67 service providers completed the survey.