Exploring the Link Between Informal Caregivers’ Knowledge and Practices in Dementia Care among Older Adults in Malaysia

Mental health issues among the elderly are increasingly gaining attention in today’s society. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between caregivers’ level of knowledge and their practices in providing mental healthcare for older adults living at home. The primary objectives were to assess caregivers’ knowledge of mental health, evaluate their caregiving practices, and explore the relationship between these two aspects. This research employed a quantitative design using a survey method. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 30 informal caregivers who provided home-based care to older adults. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, involving both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that caregivers’ knowledge of mental health was at a high level, with a mean score of 4.064. In contrast, the level of caregiving practices was moderate, with a mean score of 3.374. Although caregivers demonstrated good understanding of mental health issues, the implementation of caregiving practices was not yet comprehensive. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive and significant relationship between knowledge and mental healthcare practices for the elderly (r = .669, p < 0.01). This suggests that caregivers with higher levels of knowledge are more likely to adopt effective caregiving approaches. The study proposes a caregiving practice framework that can strengthen the national care system and contribute to the development of policies related to the mental well-being of the elderly in Malaysia.