Perceptions of Long-Term Care, Autonomy, and Dignity, by Residents, Family and Caregivers: The Beijing Experience

Abstract

This article documents the results of a study on the perceptions of long-term elder care in Beijing in the People's Republic of China by those most intimately involved. The study asked a sample of elderly, family members, and health care professionals, all of whom are involved in care at a variety of long-term care facilities in Beijing, about their perceptions of the care given at these facilities from their particular standpoints as regards issues such as the quality and ideal location of care, decision-making regarding the care receiving, who should be responsible for the financing of care, and the meaning of dignity for the elderly in these facilities. The results showed adherence to traditional family values at least on one level regarding the ideal location of care being with the family and in the home, but also the desire to pass on financing of long-term care facilities and the health care they provide the elderly on to the government. These results are not altogether surprising, but they also clearly demonstrate the larger conflict between traditional views about morality and economic considerations regarding health care financing in the China.

Can domestic helpers moderate distress of offspring caregivers of cognitively impaired older adults?

“…The results of this study are significant given the lack of research on the influence of domestic helpers on caregiver distress among offspring caregivers who take care of parents with dementia, and the expected increase in the importance of domestic helpers in eldercare (Zhai & Qiu, 2007). Domestic helpers, who may serve as a coping resource and social support for offspring caregivers and provide instrumental support to older adults, could represent an alternative long-term care model to existing community services (Chong et al, 2014).…”

“I Am the Only Child of my Parents:” Perspectives on Future Elder Care for Parents among Chinese only-Children Living overseas

“…In Chinese culture, on the other hand, parents' and adult children's lives are more closely intertwined. Family is not only a major source of elder care, but is also perceived as the most ideal location to spend one's aging years (Zhai and Qiu 2007). Elderly persons also feel more dignified, individualized, autonomous and flexible under family care (Fan 2010).…”

“…Generally speaking, there are still too few resources allocated to elders in China (Zhai and Qiu 2007). Both quality and quantity of long-term care institutions can not satisfy the demand created by a dramatically aging population and extended life expectancies.…”

China: Facing a long-term care challenge on an unprecedented scale

“…In contrast, many rural elders are left to manage their LTC needs themselves or depend solely on family support due to limited financial resources (Zhai & Qiu, 2007). Rural families are now encouraged to sign 'family support agreements' specifying how care will be provided to elders (Jackson et al, 2009, p. 13), and these elders can resort to court suits to demand that filial obligations be met.…”