- Care-recipients must have a MMSE score < 24 and a diagnosis of dementia, live in the community, and either need help with one or more daily activities and/or have one or more behavioral occurrences. Caregivers must be a relative, at least 21 years of age, be English speaking, have a telephone, either live with the care-recipient (CR) or spend at least 48 hours per week in direct oversight or caring for him/her; plan to live in the area for 9 months, report upset with CR function dependence or behavioral occurrences.