Life satisfaction of family caregivers for frail elders in Shanghai: The role of caregivring resources

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the role of caregiving resources in the relationship between the needs of frail elders and life satisfaction of family caregivers in Shanghai, China. In the context of the aging population and changing family structure, understanding factors affecting life satisfaction among family caregivers in China has both theoretical and practical significance. A total of 697 dyads( frail older persons aged 75 or above and their primary caregiver) were randomly selected from six street-level communities by using multi-stage sampling methods. Standardized questionnaires were administered by trained interviewers through face-to-face interviews. Results showed that caregiving resources significantly affected the relationship between care needs and life satisfaction.

对上海城区697对75岁及以上的体弱老人及其家庭亲属照顾者作了抽样调查和统计分析。家庭亲属照顾者的照顾资源是影响高龄体弱老人生活满意度的显著因素。经济资源充分、家庭和朋友支持充足、健康自评相对好、运用积极应对策略的照顾者有较高的生活满意度。要提升家庭亲属照顾者的心理健康,首要的任务之一是增强照顾资源,包括经济的、健康的、心理的、社会的资源。