• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.1-15
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• 2016

This is a descriptive study that introduces programs that support family caregivers looking after the elderly, by focusing on the case of Georgia, in the United States. The U.S. is one of the few countries that support family caregivers by law. In this study, we focus on the evidence-based interventions implemented through the Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Program (ADSSP), a federal policy that complements the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). Our findings show that one-on-one evidence-based programs (EBPs) for family caregivers are both economical and effective in assisting caregivers. In our discussion, we highlight how the implementation of the latest EBPs can build an infrastructure to support family caregivers. ADSSP funding is useful as it constructs a caregiver support through the implementation of programs in the local community. The result is the creation of a well-coordinated division of labor among government agencies, academia and NGOs, which produces a synergetic effect in funding, research and development, translation and implementation of programs, and staff training. We conclude that the implementation of EBPs funded by the government is a useful reference for Korea and other rapidly aging countries, if we are to create an infrastructure for caregiver support, which can effectively prevent a crisis in caregiving.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.275-284
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to provide useful insights into community-level support services for family caregivers in Korea by comparing them with the services in the United States. Similar to most developed countries, life expectancy has led to rapid population aging in Korea over the last several decades. However, despite increased social needs of long-term care for the elderly, many elderly Koreans are still dependent on their family for the long-term care. Yet, existing support programs for family caregivers are very limited. As a result, family caregivers often suffer from a lack of financial resources and emotional support. In this study, we comprehensively review the extensive literature, including relevant studies and documents of community-level support services for family caregivers of the elderly at home in Korea and the United States. One of the most important differences is that compared to Korea, diverse services based on the law of NFCSP to support the family caregivers, such as counseling, organization of support group, and educating have been available in the United States since 2000. Additionally, the legal definition of family caregivers in the United State is broader than that in Korea, where family caregivers are limited to those who are related by blood or marriage. Therefore, more caregivers are eligible for support programs and benefit from the programs in the United States. The findings of the study suggest that policy makers in Korea should legislate for diverse and comprehensive services for family caregivers. Further, it is necessary to define legal terms for family caregivers more broadly to extend beneficiaries of the programs.