Chinese female family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease, feelings about their experiences of providing care

grantor: University of TorontoThis qualitative study explored Chinese female family caregivers' feelings about providing care for relatives with Alzheimer's disease. Twelve caregivers participated (two wives, eight daughters, and two daughters-in-law); all had emigrated to Toronto from Hong Kong after age 18. Pearlin, Mullan, Semple, and Skaff's (1990) conceptual model (adapted) of Alzheimer's caregivers' stress guided the in-depth interviews which were conducted by the researcher in Cantonese. Data analysis was inductive and carried out manually. Responses indicated that all participants had applied to nursing homes but six viewed applications as backup plans only. Participants described caregiving as an obligation determined by their culture. While they appraised the same caregiving demands differently, most reported role conflicts and psychological burden. In general, participants seemed to be coping reasonably well. Responses may have been affected by: acceptance of the role, appreciation for services provided, openness to social support, and residence in an established Chinese community.M.Sc