A Comparative Study between Japan and England on Problems and Support Needs of the Caregivers of Elderly People with Dementia at Home

Abstract

Purpose: This study was to investigate the ways to support Japanese caregivers of elderly people with dementia living at home through comparing the caregiver samples’ problems and support needs between Japan and England.

Method: Two questionnaire surveys were administered on the caregivers’ problems, the services they and elderly people with dementia used, and the supports they needed in Japan and England.

Results: ① There were 229 valid answers in Japan and 70 in England. ② There were proportional differences between the samples in caregivers’ gender, relations to elderly people with dementia, their health, number of family living together, and having sub-caregivers. ③ The Japanese sample had more problems and they were mainly on their fatigue and stress because of looking after their family. ④ When they were in trouble, the supports requested by the Japanese sample were a day service and a short stay service. As for the English sample, they were the skills to care their family and a consultation by professionals. To continue looking after their family at home, the most required support by the Japanese sample was a short stay service, and it was a consultation by professionals by the English one.

Conclusion: It is important to offer a day service and a short stay service to lessen physical and emotional burden of Japanese caregivers.