Why Do Family Caregivers Provide Insurance-Funded Long-Term Care in China? Empirical Evidence from Guangzhou City

Unpaid family caregivers are the primary source of long-term care (LTC) for older adults. Little is known about how public insurance-funded payments boost family caregiving in China. To investigate the reasons for providing public insurance-funded family care within the LTC system, this study conducted 16 in-depth interviews with family caregivers in Guangzhou, China. The findings indicate that affordability and availability of alternatives to family care (both paid and unpaid) are crucial for explaining family caregiving under the LTC insurance program. Additionally, motivations for family caregiving include financial compensation, endorsement of family values, and the norm of intergenerational exchange. The findings of this study contribute to policy recommendations supporting family caregiving, including increased benefit levels, professional training for caregivers, and the provision of respite services.