The attitude of Japanese family caregivers toward the elderly with dementia

This research examined family caregivers’ attitudes toward their elderly relatives living with dementia. A convenience sample of fifty-nine Japanese caregivers was used. Caregiver attitudes were investigated multi-dimensionally (negative attitude, attitude of acceptance, and attitude of active interaction) using a questionnaire developed specifically for this study. The dimensions did not correlate with one another but were associated with different caregiver/elderly characteristics: i.e., negative attitude with short stay use, length of time caregivers and elderly relatives were living together and problem behaviors; attitude of acceptance with sleeping pill use and the type of relationship; and attitude of active interaction with dementia diagnosis. The results have implications for nurses in facilitating constructive caregiver attitudes.