Elderly Chinese and their family caregivers' perceptions of good care: a qualitative study in Shandong, China.

This study aims to understand what older Chinese people with chronic illness and their family caregivers perceive to be good care, and to compare perspectives of those living in rural and urban areas. We conducted semistructured interviews with 24 care recipients and 23 caregivers in Shandong, China. Two major themes were identified: (a) filial piety as the standard, and (b) modifying cultural ideals to meet reality. There was overall consistency in perceptions of study participants. Variations between rural and urban elders' perceptions appear to reflect differences in socioeconomic development and institutional structures.