Heather M Young1, Wayne M McCormick, Peter P Vitaliano. 1. de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, Box 357266, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7266, USA. younghm@u.washington.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: This descriptive study explored attitudes toward community-based long-term care services and factors influencing service utilization among Japanese American families. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using grounded theory methodology, the Japanese American sample included 26 family caregivers, 4 persons receiving care, and 14 professional providers (n = 44). RESULTS: Attitudes toward services were identified along six dimensions: ability to meet care needs, autonomy in daily life, quality of care and staff, cost, emotional connotations, and social and physical environment. Participants used formal services in a dynamic manner, meeting both episodic and chronic needs. Families played an active role in sustaining and augmenting the caregiving situation, regardless of living arrangement. IMPLICATIONS: This research highlights the range of criteria included in attitude formation about services and the dynamic nature of the interplay between families and formal services.
PURPOSE: This descriptive study explored attitudes toward community-based long-term care services and factors influencing service utilization among Japanese American families. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using grounded theory methodology, the Japanese American sample included 26 family caregivers, 4 persons receiving care, and 14 professional providers (n = 44). RESULTS: Attitudes toward services were identified along six dimensions: ability to meet care needs, autonomy in daily life, quality of care and staff, cost, emotional connotations, and social and physical environment. Participants used formal services in a dynamic manner, meeting both episodic and chronic needs. Families played an active role in sustaining and augmenting the caregiving situation, regardless of living arrangement. IMPLICATIONS: This research highlights the range of criteria included in attitude formation about services and the dynamic nature of the interplay between families and formal services.