Characteristics and perceived supports of primary caregivers of home-based older adults with dementia in India, Taiwan, and the United States

This cross-national study is part I of a study of the psychological health of primary caregivers of home-based older adults with dementia in India, Taiwan, and the United States. This article compared the characteristics of caregivers among these countries and described their perception of social supports. A sample of 167 participants was interviewed by native occupational therapists. Through analysis of variance, it was found that caregivers in the 3 countries vary in their characteristics, but their caregiving characteristics were similar. Commonalities in the needed supports from members and friends, as well as country-specific needs, were identified on the basis of respondent interview accounts.