Addressing Language Barriers: Perspectives into the Role of Family Caregivers for Older Asian Americans
2024

Addressing Language Barriers for Family Caregivers of Older Asian Americans

Sample size: 96 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Raj Minakshi, Quintero Laura

Primary Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Hypothesis

This study aimed to describe the challenges that caregivers face regarding navigating language barriers in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Caregivers face significant challenges due to language barriers, impacting their ability to provide care and support for older Asian Americans.

Supporting Evidence

  • 72% of caregivers reported that a language other than English was the primary language spoken at home.
  • 41% of care recipients understand English 'not well' or 'not at all'.
  • 54% of care recipients wanted interpretation services in healthcare settings.

Takeaway

Caregivers often have to help their older family members who don't speak English well, which makes their job harder.

Methodology

Ninety-six caregivers completed a cross-sectional online survey about language-related characteristics and caregiving experiences.

Limitations

The study may not capture all experiences of caregivers across different regions or cultures.

Participant Demographics

Caregivers included a diverse group with varying ages, residences, and immigration statuses.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0637

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