Family Home Caregivers for Old Persons in the Arab Region: Perceived Challenges and Policy Implications

The profound demographic changes that the Arab region has experienced during the past few decades have led to slow, albeit noteworthy increase in the proportion of older people, which will inevitably place heavy burdens on families who are assumed the responsibility in providing care for its older members. Although there has been much research about elderly caregiving issues in other regions around the world, less is known about aging family member caregiving, the challenges that family member caregivers face in the Arab region, and the facilities provided for family support to the elderly and to the caregivers themselves. Thus, the purposes of this study are to gain an overview of the current situation of ageing and elderly family member caregiving in the Arab region; to address the challenges family caregivers face, such as necessary skills and know- ledge, communication, cultural issues, health, financial burdens and enhancement of quality of life in association with their care-giving role. These challenges can negatively impact the quality of life for the caregiver and the care receiver. The importance of implementing research and policy intervention to meet these challenges for all concerned will be discussed.