FAMILY CAREGIVING: FAMILY CAREGIVER CONFLICTS AND SUPPORT OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA IN LONG-TERM FACILITIES

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2017-06, Vol.1 (Suppl 1), p.808-808
• Main Authors: Fukui, C., Sakka, M., Amiya, R.M., Sato, I., Kamibeppu, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.2919

Purpose: This study developed Family Conflict Scales for family caregivers for persons with dementia in long-term care facilities to explore the relationship between family conflicts and family support. Design and Methods: The scale was developed through forward- and back-translations, interviews of 12 staff members in long-term care facilities, and cognitive interviews of 12 family caregivers who met operational definitions in this study. The test was conducted with 334 family caregivers and a retest was conducted with 318 family caregivers who had indicated willingness to participate further. Results: The internal consistency was relatively high for all scales (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.87); sufficient retest reliability was demonstrated for all scales (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.69). The confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor model. Convergent and discriminant validity for each Family Conflict Scale (in Japanese) subscale and Family APGAR were acceptable. Family caregivers who received no family assistance for caregiving perceived more conflict in their family than those receiving family assistance. Implications: The Japanese version of the Family Conflict Scale for family caregivers of persons with dementia in long-term care facilities was developed. The reliability and validity of the scale were verified. When providing support to family caregivers in long-term care facilities, it is necessary to consider the family from multiple viewpoints, including family conflicts and support conditions from other family members.