Social and family supports for elders with dementia and their caregivers in urban China

Abstract

While the prevalent rate of dementia in mainland China is similar to other developed countries, there is little information on dementia care-giving program and services in mainland China in the international literature. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with physicians, government officials, social workers, nursing home operators and caregivers to understand the landscape of dementia care support services in the Guangzhou. Findings: Most of the elders with dementia were refused to receive service in nursing homes or adult day-care centers, as there was no trained staff to serve them. Family members are under great burden of taking care of them with nearly no social support. Elderly with severe dementia were placed in mental health hospitals if the family could afford the expensive costs or locked at home if the family was poor. Way to improve the social and family support for elders with dementia and their carer will be discussed.