A telephone survey with 339 randomly selected Chinese Canadian caregivers examined the employment and economic costs of family caregiving for the elderly. Although the Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on filial obligation, caregiving is not without economic consequences. Caregiver’s age, financial adequacy, and employment, caring for an additional care receiver, and levels of assistance in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), were the predictors for economic costs perceived by family caregivers. Caregiver’s age, caring for an additional care receiver, and care receiver’s financial adequacy were significant predictors for male caregivers. Caregiver’s financial adequacy and higher levels of assistance in ADL were the predictors for female caregivers. Policies to support family caregivers should not just focus on the social aspect, but also the financial needs. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007Chinese immigrants, Cost of caregiving, Family caregiving, Financial adequacy,

According to traditional Chinese culture, families will care for their elderly. Therefore, it appears to be uncommon for elderly Chinese to live alone. This study examines the correlates for single elderly Chinese immigrants in Canada to live alone. Using a probability sample of single elderly Chinese immigrants (N = 660) in seven urban centers, hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the effects of socio-demographic resource variables, health, and cultural variables. The findings show that 39.1% of single elderly Chinese immigrants reported to be living alone. Variables related to resources, functioning capacity, and acculturation related variables are the key correlates for the elderly Chinese immigrants to maintain independence in the community. The findings imply a need to develop culturally sensitive programs to strengthen the social support, financial stability, and functioning capacity of the elderly immigrants.