Caring for our Elders: Senior Care and Caregivers in AANHPI Communities

In the United States, senior care and the role of caregivers has become increasingly prominent with the increasing population of seniors. The demand for eldercare will  increase with the US senior population projected to grow by nearly 40% between 2020 and 2035, according to the Census Bureau. Caregivers, often unsung heroes, play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and best quality of life for seniors, often offering physical assistance and emotional support.

Why is Caregiving so Prominent in AANHPI Communities? 

In a study conducted by AARP, researchers found that 73% of AANHPIs believe that they are expected to care for their parents. Within many AANHPI households, the cycle of caregiving is often revered, as the young take on the caregiving status when elders reach a point where they need to be cared for. There are several major reasons why many members of the AANHPI communities becomes caregivers for their loved ones:

• Filial Piety: Within many AANHPI cultures, filial piety – a Confucian value emphasizing respect for one’s parents and elders– is often expected of children. 
• Stigma Against Institutional Care:  Many AANHPI individuals often feel guilty and consider it disrespectful to send their parents or loved ones to senior homes or assisted living. Often, many care facilities also aren't culturally tailored for AAHIPI seniors as language and cultural barriers persist.
• Living in multi-generational households: This core cultural value often manifests itself in the form of multi-generational households, where seniors are cared for by their children and extended family members. In this position, caregivers often assume a pivotal role of not only providing physical assistance but also in advocating for their loved ones in situations when they cannot advocate for themselves. 

It is also important to recognize that under the AANHPI umbrella, there are many cultures and differences in family structure that can effect caregiving dynamics. 

Caregiver’s Experiences

Caregiving in the AANHPI community is not without its challenges. Cultural stigmas surrounding mental health issues may prevent seniors from seeking the care they need, placing additional strains on caregivers. Moreover, the demands of caregiving can take a toll on caregivers’ own well-being, leading to stress, burnout, and feelings of isolation. Some unique challenges AANHPI family caregivers face include: 

• Language Barriers: Language and communication also play a vital role in caregiving within the AAPI community. We see that many seniors may be more comfortable speaking their native language, presenting a unique challenge for caregivers who must navigate linguistic barriers while providing care. Caregivers often have the responsibility to facilitate clear communication between seniors and healthcare providers, all while ensuring that cultural nuances are respected throughout the caregiving process.
• Mental Health Struggles: Caring for loved ones can be immensely rewarding, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. One of the major challenges include burnout and isolation. The demand of caregiving, household chores, and personal tasks, can take a huge toll on caregivers. This can often lead to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. Caregivers may also experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as they navigate the challenges and destress of seeing a loved on struggle with illness.
• Lack of Self Care: Caregivers often neglect their own physical and emotional well-being and needs in favor of prioritizing the health of their loved ones.  This can lead to a cycle of self-neglect and emotional suppression.

It's essential for caregivers to recognize the importance of self-care and prioritize their own mental health and well-being. This includes setting boundaries, seeking respite care, practicing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or meditation, maintaining social connections, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. Additionally, caregivers should not hesitate to seek professional help if they are struggling with their mental health. Therapy, counseling, and support services tailored to caregivers can provide valuable resources and coping strategies to navigate the challenges of caregiving while safeguarding their own mental health.