Certified Caregiver Trainees’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Elderly

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined caregiver trainees’ knowledge and attitude toward the elderly.

Method: This descriptive study was conducted with a convenient sample of 119 trainees in a long-term caregiver education program at one university. Following completion of a self-reported questionnaire, knowledge and attitude were measured using FAQ1(Palmore, 1998) and a 20-item semantic differential scale(Sanders et al., 1984). The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis by SPSS version 12.0.

Results: The mean score of respondents’ knowledge and attitude toward the elderly was out of 25 and out of 100, respectively. Caregiver trainees’ education level and age influenced their knowledge and attitude, respectively, toward the elderly.

Conclusion: Caregiver training for the elderly should involve a well-designed education program and continuous teaching that takes into account trainee education and age.