Assistive Technologies as Aids to Family Caregivers in Taiwan

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Author(s): Szu-Yao (Zoe) Wang (Australian Catholic University, Australia)
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 10
Source title: Intelligent Technologies for Bridging the Grey Digital Divide
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Jeffrey Soar (University of Southern Queensland, Australia), Rick Swindell (Griffith University, Australia)and Philip Tsang (The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-825-8.ch019

Keywords: Digital Divide & Developing Countries / Government & Law / Human Aspects of Technology / Information Science Reference

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Abstract

The social structure in Taiwan has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. An increasing population of people aged over 65, a decreasing birth rate and rising numbers of women entering the workforce have led to the need for more aged care services. Research has demonstrated that nursing home placement of older adults in need of advanced care is the most cost effective option for family caregivers. However, filial piety, which entails looking after older parents at home, is one of the core tenets of Chinese society. Placing older parents into nursing homes can lead to conflicts that are detrimental to adult children psychologically. Moreover, the burden of caregiving does not necessarily end for the family once they have placed their parent(s) into nursing homes. It can continue to evoke deep emotional responses in some former family caregivers. This chapter draws on findings from two case studies to illustrate the dilemmas facing Taiwanese families who must cope with changing social conditions and customary filial expectations. The use of assistive technologies as solutions to these dilemmas is outlined. These technologies are argued to be a cost effective way to assist adult caregivers, their charges, and staff in nursing homes. Their use may apply to other Asian countries with similar cultural beliefs and values.

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