Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate demented elderly caring competences of the formal caregivers(
FCs) and to identify the influencing factors of the caring competence. Methods: A developed questionnaire
survey was carried out using a convenient sampling method (N=201). Data were analyzed by applying descriptive
statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression.
Results: The average score for the perceived FCs’ caring competences was 3.63±0.6. Among the FCs’ caring
competency factors, care for elders with dementia(knowledge, attitudes, and skills) was the highest. Also the competences
were positively correlated with job satisfaction, work experience, and numbers of participation in dementia
education. Job satisfaction(ß=.30, p<.001), gender(ß=.19 p=.006), working place(ß=-.16 p=.020), and
burden of caring dependency(ß=.16 p=.022) significantly influenced the perceived FCs’ caring competences.
Conclusion: The study found that job satisfaction was an important factor for FCs’ caring competences, therefore
FCs’ work loads should be carefully assigned to increase their job satisfaction. This research findings can be utilized
for the management of FCs working in institutions for elders with dementia.