Perceptions of Care giving and the Impact on Occupational Choices of Chinese Caregivers
Graduation Date
2008
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Bonnie Napier-Tibere, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
Advancements in medicine and technology have made it possible for older adults to live longer. As people become older there are higher percentages with some level of dependency. Family dynamics may change when one member requires more care due to dependence.
In the Chinese culture, the family is often responsible for this care. The care provided may range from intimate care in activities of daily living such as: bathing, hygiene, dressing, grooming and feeding, to activities such as transportation, social activities. However, there has been little research conducted on the perceptions of Chinese caregivers and the impact on their occupational choices due to assuming the role of caregiver of their older family member.
This research focused on the following three questions: What impact do Chinese caregivers perceive on their own ADL and IADL performance due to providing care to another? Is there a difference in views of the impact on personal ADLs and IADLs between different age groups of Chinese caregivers? Lastly, is there a difference in care giving in home or elsewhere?
This research design was qualitative. The participants were a population of convenience. The data were collected
through snowball sampling and began with participants known to the researcher. There were a total of 25 survey participants and three interview participants: 13 were Chinese and 12 were other ethnicities.
Commonalities and differences were examined from the responses given in the surveys and interviews. This research suggests that there was a difference in care giving provided in the home as opposed to that which was provided to a family member who did not reside in the same home. More time was spent caring for the family member who lived with the caregiver. The family members who did not live with the caregiver did not receive assistance in the same types of activities of daily living. There was no significant difference between Chinese and non-Chinese caregivers.