Keywords

caregiver tasks, dementia, primary caregiver, social support

 

Authors

  1. Tomita, Machiko R. PhD
  2. Sarang, Asmita OTR/L, MS
  3. Lee, Kuo-Feng OT, MS
  4. Lee, Kristen Schultz PhD
  5. Russ, Linda S. PhD, OTR/L
  6. Noe, Michael MD, MPH

Abstract

This cross-national study is part I of a study of the psychological health of primary caregivers of home-based older adults with dementia in India, Taiwan, and the United States. This article compared the characteristics of caregivers among these countries and described their perception of social supports. A sample of 167 participants was interviewed by native occupational therapists. Through analysis of variance, it was found that caregivers in the 3 countries vary in their characteristics, but their caregiving characteristics were similar. Commonalities in the needed supports from members and friends, as well as country-specific needs, were identified on the basis of respondent interview accounts.