Caregivers’ decisions on placement of family members in long-term care facilities in Japan: Analysis of caregiver interviews

Factors influencing caregivers’ decisions to place their older family members in nursing homes were explored. Data were based on interviews with primary caregivers, and patient records of a Geriatric Intermediate Care Facility during the eight-year data collection period. Findings show that over half of the primary caregivers (55%) decided to place their older family member in a nursing home due to their incapability of providing care rather than the older adult’s declining physical or cognitive functioning. Although it is reported that the Japanese, whose culture is embedded in filial piety, stigmatize the notion of placing their older adults in nursing homes, results of this study suggest their attitudes may be changing. Practice implications for healthcare professionals based on findings are provided.