Caring for Those Who Care: A Study of Japanese Americans Caring for their Elder Parents

Abstract

The U.S. Census estimates that by the year 2030, 30% of the U.S. population will be 65 years or older and will be the most ethnically diverse it’s ever been. But who will take care of this aging population? Informal care provided by the child of the elderly is the most common option, especially in Hawaii. Hawaii is known for its ethnically diverse culture, but this study specifically examined family caregivers of Japanese American descent to consider whether culture is a factor in determining the caregiving experience. This study explored ways in which Japanese American caregivers in Hawaii describe their current or past role of “informal caregiver” to an elder parent to answer these research questions: How do Japanese American caregivers to an elder parent in Hawaii describe their role as “informal caregivers” in areas affecting their emotional health, work, and future long-term care options; and to what extent does culture play a role in the caregiving experience? Extensive interviews and surveys were conducted to understand and define themes or unique responses of the caregiving experience. Analysis of such themes served for a better understanding of the impact of caregiving on the participants and explored the extent to which Japanese culture shapes or does not shape these experiences. This study found that caregiving has both positive and negative effects upon the caregiver, and that stress is highly subjective. Caregivers did not signal any particular concerns regarding work-family conflict, but did have concerns about future formal long-term care options such as eventual institutionalization of their parents. The values of Japanese culture did not appear to have sole effect on the caregiving experience, but rather, may was one of many factors.