Caregiving between Two Cultures: An Integrative Experience

In 1995, more than half of elderly immigrants to the United States were born in Asia or the Pacific region. The purpose of this study was to describe the process of caring for elderly parents by Asian American women. Forty-one women (22 Chinese American and 19 Filipino American) caring for elderly parents were interviewed in a study based on Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology (1990). Although the women were moderately acculturated, indications of being in transition were evident. Analysis of interview data led to development of a substantive theory of caregiving between two cultures, reflecting the paradox of living and caregiving by two sets of standards and worldviews. The primary strategies used to manage the caregiving challenges were connecting and calibrating. Through personal growth and finding meaning, the caregivers integrated the caregiver role into their lives and became more connected with their families and within themselves.