Qualitative Research on Korean American Dementia Caregivers' Perception of Caregiving: Heterogeneity between Spouse Caregivers and Child Caregivers

Abstract

This study explores Korean American dementia caregivers' attitudes toward caregiving. Qualitative descriptive interviews were conducted with four female spouse caregivers and four female adult child caregivers. Analysis of these interviews disclosed five major themes related to their perception of caregiving and the factors that contribute to their experience: (1) the importance of marital commitment for spouse caregivers, (2) cultural expectations of adult child caregivers, (3) the mediating role of social support in dementia caregiving, (4) the role of spirituality in dementia caregiving, and (5) the negative image of nursing homes. Finally, implications for mental health professionals and policy makers are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Korean American
• dementia caregiving
• culture
• spouse caregivers
• child caregivers