Preferences of the elderly and their primary family caregivers in the arrangement of long-term care

Background and Purposes: Long term care policies and networks in Taiwan are still in the early stages of development adn as such it is important to establish comprehensive care models which clearly define the need of the elderly and their family members. This study examined the pretences of the elderly and their primary family caregivers in long term care arrangements. Methods: Using multistage sampling a total of 1180 subjects (n=593 elderly [age greater than or equal to 65] and n = 587 caregivers) from 7 counties/cities in the north of Taiwan were interviewed by local public health nurses. Results: Home care was the first choice for both elderly people and their primary care givers (59.2% of both groups combined). Institutional care was considered the second choice however only 9.2% found this choice acceptable., Community based care was the least preferred mode of long term care (4.2%). Among the sample subjects elderly people brn in China those not living in the Taipei metropolitan area and those not receiving a financial subsidy from the governmentindicated that they would be more inclined to accept institutional care. All other elderly people between the ages of 65 and 74 years indicated greater preference for community based care. Primary caregivers born in China, those with only an elementary school level of education, and those with a previus unpleasant experience in caring for the elderly were more inclined to accept cmmunity and institutional care. Conclusion: Most elderley people and their primary family caregivers preferred home care. This study also revealed that previous experience with care for the elderly, educational level, and socioeconomic status were important factors influencing preferences for lng term care arrangements.