Chinese Family Caregivers Supporting Family Members with Dementia
Author Information
Author(s): Yuan Yiyang, Dubé Catherine, Lim Emily, Xu Shu, Qu Shan, McPhillips Emily, Lapane Kate
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Hypothesis
Asian American family caregivers of individuals with dementia experience a greater burden compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significant challenges faced by Chinese family caregivers during the transition of their family members with dementia into nursing homes.
Supporting Evidence
- Filial piety significantly influences the caregiving experience.
- Caregivers reported physical, emotional, and financial struggles.
- There is a limited availability of culturally and linguistically appropriate nursing home care.
- COVID-19-related social isolation may have worsened family members’ dementia.
- Caregivers expressed the need for better healthcare options for the aging population.
Takeaway
This study talks about how Chinese families find it hard to move their loved ones with dementia into nursing homes because of cultural expectations and a lack of proper care.
Methodology
The study conducted fourteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Mandarin- or English-speaking family caregivers.
Limitations
The study may not represent the experiences of all Asian American caregivers as it focused specifically on those of Chinese descent.
Participant Demographics
Caregivers of Chinese descent, the largest Asian community in the U.S.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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