Caregivers’ Dementia Knowledge and Care Approach in Residential Aged Care Facilities in China

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the dementia knowledge and care approach used by caregivers in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in China. Method: A cross-sectional survey of 785 caregivers from a random sample of 34 RACFs in China. Caregivers’ knowledge and care approach were assessed using the Chinese version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 and Advanced Dementia Care Questionnaire. Results: The majority of caregivers showed limited knowledge of dementia and tended not to adopt a person-centered approach to care. Educational level, dementia care training, and years of work experience were positively associated with dementia knowledge. Educational level and years of work experience were also associated with a person-centered approach to care. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the care available to people with dementia in RACFs in China. The results suggest dementia care education programs as well as person-centered care training are urgently needed for caregivers in China.