The caregiving burden of relatives with dementia : experiences of Chinese-Australian families

This paper compares the findings of experiences of Chinese- Australian families caring for relatives with dementia, to the general literature on caregiving burden. Twenty caregivers were interviewed. It was found that there are many similar issues of caregiving in different cultures. Difficulties associated with the management of toileting and challenging behaviours, protective care, decisions about whether to place an elderly relative in a nursing home and adult children's sense of responsibility are issues that have to be confronted. The distinctiveness of the Chinese experience lies in the way these issues are met. The paper highlights the Chinese responses and recommends that services for the Chinese community should show sensitivity to cultural practices.