Best Practices in Care Management for Asian American Elders: The Case of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

This article addresses practice concerns and special issues for professionals doing case management for older Asian Americans using Alzheimer's disease as the case example. Highlighted are cross-cultural issues in assessment for depression in this population, as well as caregiving and community service utilization issues. The research is based on the author's own work and the literature, as well as results from a population-based study of caregivers of the elderly in California.

Caregiving in the Pacific Rim A Comparison of Asian and Non-Asian Caregiving Experiences

“…Social work practitioners and policymakers tend to dismiss Asian caregivers as managing well and do not seek to identify unmet needs that are not immediately obvious (Arnsberger, 2005). These findings suggest that this is not a correct approach.…”

“…An intimate and highly personalized relationship may need to be established before help can be offered or accepted. A social worker may have to be prepared to make a strong personal recommendation for a special type of service or care (Arnsberger, 2005). Without thoughtful, culturally sensitive policies and programs designed to support the informal caregiving effort, it will be difficult for caregivers in the Pacific Basin and Pacific Rim regions of the U.S. to continue unaided in their efforts.…”

Addressing Alzheimer's Disease in Asian American and Pacific Islander Older Adults: An Action Guide for Service Providers

“…Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (ADRD) is challenging and can pose distinct challenges for some Asian American and Pacifi c Islander (AAPI) families. Stigma against individuals with ADRD and their families has been noted in several AAPI cultures (Gerdner & Yeo, 2013), which can lead to social isolation and caregiver burnout (Arnsberger, 2005). Strong values of fi lial piety contribute to AAPI being twice as likely to care for a grandparent or grandparent-in-law compared to the general population (18% vs. 8%) (National Alliance for Caregiving, 2009).…”

“…When working with AAPI patients and caregivers, nurses need to remember that they may be reluctant to disclose psychological symptoms, and diseases such as depression may be expressed diff erently (Arnsberger, 2005). Nurses are in a strong position to use diagnostic and screening tools developed for the target population (Trockman et al, 1997).…”