Asian-Americans more likely to become caregivers for family members–study

By: 10 years ago

WASHINGTON, DC -– Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are more likely than other ethnic groups to provide caregiving for older family members at home, a new report found.

“Caregiving Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” is the first of three reports by AARP about issues affecting AAPIs age 50 and older. The next two reports on economic security and health will be released in December and January, respectively.

More than any other racial or ethnic group, the vast majority of AAPIs believe that caring for parents is expected of them.

A much higher percentage (73 percent) of those age 45-55, compared with just under half of the total population of the same age (49 percent), say they are expected to care for their aging parents.

In fact, 42 percent identified themselves as caregivers versus just 22 percent of other Americans.

AAPIs are more likely to provide caregiving for their parents or older relatives.

They are more likely to talk to doctors or health providers (54 percent versus 36 percent) of the total population of the same age), contribute financially (51 percent versus 27 percent), and handle paper work or bills (41 percent versus 33 percent) than the total population of the same age.

Due to cultural attitudes about filial piety, AAPI families are resistant to moving their parents to nursing homes or similar facilities and prefer caregiving be done at home by family members.

AAPIs are more likely than other Americans to live in multigenerational households.

With the heavy expectation that care should be provided by one’s own family, larger households help enable caregiving. Many more AAPIs 50+ live in multigenerational households compared with other Americans (17 percent versus 7 percent).

“It is my hope that our reports help individuals, community-based organizations, policy makers, non-profit groups, and funders make informed decisions about the critical needs and concerns of AAPI communities,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP vice president of Multicultural Markets and Engagement for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience.