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

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.

Keywords:

• Dementia
• hardship
• race/ethnicity
• caregiving
• family

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).