Differences in Home-based Family Caregiving Appraisal for Caregivers of the Elderly in Rural and Urban Japanese Communities

Abstract

This quantitative study aimed to determine the differences between rural and urban residencies related to home-based appraisal (including care burden and positive appraisal) for Japanese primary family caregivers of the elderly with extensive care needs. The study examined a sample of 196 caregivers (106 rural, 90 urban), and stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed. Resident location was significantly associated with care burden, and each factor associated with the appraisal, especially care burden, differed between rural and urban areas. The social and physical environment is thus a necessary consideration to support family caregivers and the elderly requiring home-based care.