Exploring Chinese Family Caregivers’ Experience as They Support Loved Ones With Dementia Transitioning Into Nursing Homes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

For Asian American family caregivers, transitioning loved ones with dementia into a U.S. nursing home can be particularly challenging due to cultural expectations and the scarcity of linguistically and culturally appropriate care. This qualitative study, focusing on the largest Asian American community, examined the experiences of Chinese family caregivers navigating this transition, using thematic analysis of twelve semi-structured interviews conducted in Mandarin Chinese or English. Filial piety profoundly influenced caregiving decisions. Caregivers reported significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, with challenges including limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate nursing home care, concerns about care quality, and difficulties in family discussions about the transition. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness within the Chinese community about dementia care options and for nursing homes to improve culturally sensitive care. Addressing these gaps could ease the transition process and better support caregivers and their loved ones.

Keywords

dementia nursing home caregiver Chinese/Chinese Americans filial piety

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