THE CHALLENGES OF SHARED DECISION-MAKING IN DEMENTIA CARE NETWORKS

59.9 ± 8.8; male 19%; spouse 17%; parent 60%). Qualitative content analysis revealed rich information about the characteristics of supportive support brokers, and also about support broker characteristics that were not supportive. Support brokers directly influenced many of the challenges caregivers identified. A responsive, imaginative, and involved support broker was identified as a major source of effective support. Conversely, frequent support broker turnover, limited knowledge and involvement, and the perception that the support broker was simply there to “check boxes” became sources of additional stress. Support brokers are uniquely positioned to help caregivers navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, thereby decreasing stress and strain. For example, many of the roadblocks that caregivers identified as difficult could often be negotiated by a support broker. Support brokers can serve as an avenue for caregivers to find out about additional supports within the PD program, as well as organizations outside of PD, such as disease-specific support groups, which caregivers identified as an additional source of support. This research is part of the Family Support Research & Training Center.