Factors determining the attitudes of family caregivers of dementia patients toward nursing home placement in Taiwan: Comparisons between urban and semiurban areas

This study sought to determine the factors that influence the attitudes of family caregivers of dementia patients toward nursing home placement. A tel ephone survey of primary caregivers was conducted in two metropolitan areas of Taiwan. Caregivers of dementia patients were recruited from the neurolo gy and psychiatry outpatient departments of two medical centers in Taipei ( a highly urbanized area, n=144) and two medical centers in Kaohsiung (an ar ea of mixed farm and nonfarm sectors, n=134). Family caregivers were asked if they would place patients in a nursing home if their dementia progressed . The mental status of dementia patients was the most significant variable affecting caregivers attitudes toward nursing home placement. Family manpow er available for caregiving at home was especially emphasized as a determin ing factor affecting the decision to use nursing home care by primary careg ivers in highly urbanized areas.