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Dementia Caregiving in Asian Communities By Sophie Okolo
In the United States, Asian Americans represent more than 30 nationalities and ethnic groups, but they are typically categorized as Asian or AAPIs (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) for reporting. AAPIs are among the fastest-growing population of older Americans in the United States. They come from the five largest ethnic groups: Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Indian and Korean. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Asian Americans 65 years or older account for 8.4% of Alzheimer's cases and other dementias (ADRD), despite being less than 6% of the nation's population. Exploring the positive aspects of caregiving in the context of Asian communities is critical to developing a more robust understanding of dementia caregivers within this population. According to research published in BMC Geriatrics, positive aspects of caregiving are significant coping resources for informal caregivers of people with dementia (PWD). The study revealed three major themes: positive aspects within the self, positive aspects between caregiver and PWD, and positive aspects between the caregiver and others.
"In many Asian cultures, filial piety is considered a moral duty and a way to show gratitude and respect for the sacrifices and contributions made by parents and elders. As a result, adult children in Asian families often prioritize caregiving for their aging parents and grandparents." One thing that people should know about caregiving in the Asian community is the importance of cultural competency and understanding, said Ahuja. "Caregiving practices and attitudes toward aging, illness and end-of-life care vary widely across Asian cultures. Caregivers and health care providers need to be sensitive to these differences,” Ahuja added. By challenging bias, health care can improve cultural competence, empathy and patient outcomes. Consequently, equipping family members to provide high-quality care will involve increasing cultural-specific aspects of caregiving.
"Exploring the positive aspects of caregiving in Asian communities is critical to developing a more robust understanding of dementia caregivers."
One thing that is unique to caregiving in the Asian community is the cultural emphasis on filial piety, which is a concept that emphasizes the importance of respecting and caring for one's elders, said Rajiv Ahuja, an associate director at the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging.
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