Understanding Challenges and Coping Strategies Experienced by Chinese American Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

• Published in: Journal of applied gerontology Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 919 - 927
• Main Authors: Lee, Kathy, Cassidy, Jessica, Zhao, Joe, Mitchell, Jaci
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.05.2023; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Asian; Asian Americans; Caregivers; Caregivers - psychology; Caregiving; Coping strategies; COVID-19; Dementia; Discrimination; East Asian People; Ethnic groups; Families & family life; Humans; Pandemics; Primary care; Social isolation; United States; United States; COVID-19; caregiving stressors; diversity and ethnicity; qualitative methods; minority caregiving
• ISSN: 0733-4648; 1552-4523
• DOI: 10.1177/07334648221142600

The purpose of this study was to explore the caregiving experience of Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia with a focus on challenges and coping strategies. Using a qualitative study design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 Chinese American family caregivers and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. We also identified their caregiving experience specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. First, four themes were discovered: (1) filial obligations, (2) preference for utilizing home- and community-based supports, (3) relying on primary care doctors, and (4) helping behaviors. Two additional COVID-19-related themes were identified: (1) social isolation and (2) perceived discrimination. We suggested interventions at the individual, community, and societal level not only to support various challenges experienced by this ethnic group but also to promote their coping strategies.