Title | The experiences of Korean immigrant caregivers of non-English-speaking older relatives with dementia in American nursing homes |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2010 |
Authors | Kong, EH, Deatrick, JA, Evans, LK |
Journal | Qual Health ResQual Health Res |
Volume | 20 |
Pagination | 319-29 |
Date Published | Mar |
ISBN Number | 1049-7323 (Print)<br/>1049-7323 (Linking) |
Accession Number | 19940089 |
Keywords | Aged, Aged, 80 and Over, Caregivers/ psychology, Communication Barriers, Cultural Characteristics, Dementia/ ethnology/ psychology, Emigrants and Immigrants/psychology, Family Relations/ ethnology, Female, Homes for the Aged, Humans, Middle Aged, Nursing Homes, Social Isolation, United States |
Abstract | The purpose of this article is to describe Korean immigrant caregivers' experiences regarding American nursing home placement of their non-English-speaking older relatives with dementia. Qualitative descriptive methods and qualitative content analysis were used. A total of 17 semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 Korean immigrant family caregivers. The "Korean way of thinking" emerged as a fundamental cultural belief about caregiving. Six major themes were identified: (a) I never thought about a nursing home; (b) If I think in a Korean way, I feel . . . ; (c) Nursing home staff cannot communicate with . . . ; (d) My care recipient maintains Korean culture; (e) Nursing home services are better than expected but . . . ; and (f) My care recipient is more vulnerable because of dementia. This study provides valuable insights for health care providers about communication and cultural issues of immigrant caregivers for non-English-speaking older relatives with dementia. |
Ethno Med: