Family environment of older Indians with chronic illness

Background: Disparity in perception of old age and illness, between older p eople and their family, has been noticed in Indian society. Objectives: To assess perception of the family environment by older patient s with chronic obstructive airway disease and their primary caregiver. Meth odology: Family environment was assessed using a standard family environmen t scale. Results: Significant agreement was noticed between perceptions of older peo ple and their caregiver in all aspects of family environment. Conclusion: Family environment of this group of older Indians is supportive and caring during health and illness.