[Family care for Moluccan ans Dutch elderly persons: a comparative study of readiness and expectations]

Care expectations of Moluccan and Dutch elderly (n = 48), and the willingness of their children (n = 25) to provide care are explored. It appeared, that Moluccan elderly received more family care than the Dutch comparison group. Moluccan children were considered to be responsible for the care of the elderly as well as for arranging additional care. Dutch elder persons stressed that they didn't want to become a 'burden' to their children, and were more willing to call in professional help. However, all elderly persons were reluctant concerning the involvement of professional care. Dutch elder persons stressed their loss of independency. For Moluccan elderly, professional care did not fit in with their traditional (care) beliefs. In general, Moluccan children were more willing to provide care than Dutch children. However, many of them expected problems in combining family life, a job and the care of their parents. In this respect opinions of Moluccan and Dutch children were more alike than those of their parents.