CSRDA Discussion Paper Series

No. 41 Complaints of family caregivers
Kyoko Eguchi, Naoko Hara, Shoko Inomata, Keisuke Kawata, Noriyuki Ogawa,Yuki Okura, Miwa Shibuya, Morio Suzuki, Hajime Takechi
Kyoko Eguchi, Naoko Hara, Shoko Inomata, Keisuke Kawata, Noriyuki Ogawa,Yuki Okura, Miwa Shibuya, Morio Suzuki, Hajime TakechiShumei University, Niigata College of Nursing, Akita University Hospital, University of Tokyo, Kyoto Tachibana University, Niigata College of Nursing, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Alzheimer’s Association Japan, Fujita Health University
intrafamily conflictfamily caregiverperceived burdenliving arrangementspousal caregiving
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-BeingGoal 5: Gender Equality

Aim: To identify characteristics of intrafamily conflict regarding collaborative caregiving for a person with dementia by considering two factors: living arrangements (live-in and non-live-in caregivers) and the relationship to the person with dementia (spousal and nonspousal). Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to family caregivers of persons with dementia across Japan. The trend in the prevalence of intrafamily caregiving disagreements was statistically analyzed for 1,977 responses. Two open-ended questions were qualitatively analyzed regarding intrafamily disagreement contents and requests to their kin for 486 responses and 112 responses respectively. Results: The statistical analysis showed that nonspousal and non-live-in caregivers may be more likely to experience intrafamily conflict. From the qualitative analysis for each question, five categories emerged. The analysis regarding intrafamily disagreement content could be summarized into three trends: (1) Living arrangements may not be so important to the disagreement content. (2) Spousal caregivers may be more likely to be disappointed with their emotional care needs being unmet by their kin. (3) Nonspousal caregivers may be more likely to experience intrafamily conflict regarding communication with the person with dementia. The analysis regarding requests to kin could be summarized into three trends: (1) Nonspousal caregivers may demand more emotional support from their kin. (2) Live-in caregivers may demand the intrafamily redistribution of caregiving work. (3) Non-live-in caregivers may demand more discussions with their kin regarding future caregiving. Conclusions: The findings encourage healthcare providers to provide personalized support for family caregivers with a focus on living arrangements and kin relationships.