Daughter-in-law's burden: An exploratory study of caregiving in Japan.

This exploratory study examines home caregiving of elderly family members in rural central Japan. The extent of the daughter-in-law's involvement with severely cognitively and physically impaired relatives is discussed within the context of traditional co-residence patterns. Findings from a preliminary survey, interviews and observations indicate limited modification of the physical environment, high levels of burden, and utilization of the limited respite services available. Despite expectations that daughters-in-law will care for the elderly, voices for change are growing louder.