220
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Dementia Caregiving

Economic hardships of Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia: a mixed-methods study

ORCID Icon, , ORCID Icon, &
Pages 1762-1769 | Received 29 Mar 2022, Accepted 29 Aug 2022, Published online: 19 Sep 2022
 

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined the relationships between economic hardships (i.e. perceived financial hardship and job interference) and caregiver burden among Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia and explored their lived experience caring for their loved ones.

Methods. Using a mixed-methods research design, we first conducted a survey with 36 Korean American family caregivers. We also conducted semi-structured, in-depth, individual interviews (n = 33) and subsequently compared the results.

Results. Cohabiting with their loved ones, the total duration of caregiving, and financial hardship were statistically significant predictors of higher levels of caregiver burden. Our thematic analysis resulted in four themes: (1) financial hardship, (2) early retirement, (3) dual responsibilities contributing to physical and emotional challenges, and (4) a lack of caregiver support.

Conclusion. Our findings suggest the importance of developing culturally appropriate interventions that are affordable and accessible to Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Acknowledgements

We appreciate Grade Adult Day Care Inc., Korean American Family Service Center, Somang Society, Mr. Nam Kyu Kim, and Ms. Boonja Yoo who provided technical support for the conduct of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Alzheimer’s Association New to the Field (AARG-NTF-20-678171).

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.