Preferences for End-of-Life Care at Home and Attitudes Towards Death in Family Members Caring for Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

Caring for older adults with dementia or aging-related conditions poses significant challenges for family members. A recent study, supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, aimed to explore the preferences of family caregivers for end-of-life care at home and examine the relationships between these preferences, death attitudes, and the disabilities of older adults. The study, conducted by researchers at Kagoshima University, involved a web-based screening survey of 6000 older persons, with 246 participants providing relevant data.

Key Takeaways:

  • Family caregivers' preferences for end-of-life care at home are influenced by the care recipients' activities of daily living (ADL) and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
  • Attitudes towards death and memorial service awareness significantly affect family caregivers' preference for end-of-life care.
  • The presence of BPSD in older adults, even if their ADL is not declining, is associated with lower preferences for caregiving at the end of life.
  • Traditional ancestor worship behaviors also impact the actions of families when older adults reach the end of their lives.
  • This study highlighted the importance of considering BPSD and memorial service awareness in making informed decisions about end-of-life care.
  • The findings have implications for healthcare professionals and caregivers working with families caring for older adults with dementia.

Statistics:

  • 339 respondents answered that they currently care for a family member who needs care at home due to dementia or aging.
  • 246 persons were analyzed, excluding those who answered that they had no problems regarding the cognitive function and daily life functioning of the person requiring care.
  • 6000 older persons were surveyed through a web-based screening survey.
  • 25% of respondents reported a preference for end-of-life care at home (Psychogeriatrics, 2025;25(6))).

Sources:

  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
  • Psychogeriatrics (2025;25(6))
  • Kagoshima University
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Kagoshima University Discuss Findings in Dementia (Preference for End-of-Life Care at Home and Attitudes Towards Death of Family Members Caring for Older Adults). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 13, 2025; p 984.