Refereed Publications

1. Ivey, S. L. and Laditka, S. B. and Price, A. E. and Tseng, W. and Beard, R. L. and Liu, R. and Fetterman, D. and Wu, B. and Logsdon, R. G., Experiences and concerns of family caregivers providing support to people with dementia: A cross-cultural perspective, Dementia, vol. 12 no. 6 (November, 2013), pp. 806-820 [doi]
   (last updated on 2014/06/09)

   Abstract:
   We examined experiences and concerns among caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia from two ethnic groups. We conducted a thematic analysis of responses to the question, ‘What is your life like as a caregiver?’ in nine focus groups (n = 75) with Filipino and non–Hispanic White caregivers. Constant comparison methods identified themes by ethnicity. Experiences and concerns expressed across groups were related to care recipient symptoms commonly associated with dementia, including severe memory loss and behavioral changes. Participants in both ethnic groups described strategies that help them cope, such as receiving help from family and friends, receiving respite support, and participating in support groups. Filipino caregivers more often emphasized positive aspects of caregiving, whereas Whites often expressed that others do not understand the daily experiences of caregiving. Filipinos more commonly described caregivers as a ‘good person’ or ‘saint’ and emphasized that caregiving made them stronger.

   Keywords:
   aging • Alzheimer’s disease • Filipinos • focus groups • qualitative research