Understanding family caregiving in South Asian context: A case study on family caregivers in South Asian communities

This study examined the socio-cultural variables that portray the characteristics of the South Asian family caregivers in Calgary. Data were collected through a two part telephone survey. The sample consists of 770 randomly selected adult South Asians who completed a general screening survey on family caregiving. Among this group, 265 identified themselves as a family caregiver of an older adult of 65 years and older. Among them, 166 completed the second part survey on details about their caregiving roles, responsibilities and experience. The variables examined include the demographics, caregiving activities, attitudes towards family caregiving, relations and caregiving plan, and service use and needs. The findings indicated that a typical South Asian family caregiver tend to be married, between 35 and 54 years of age, and an immigrant. The caregivers were identified as males, mostly sons, followed by daughters- and/or sisters-in-law. When compared with non-family caregivers, family caregivers reported more stress in life. Many reported having dipped into saving and having to make changes and adjustments to their employment due to caregiving responsibility. While almost half of the caregivers reported enjoying being with their care receivers while close to 15% reported experiencing a moderate to severe caregiving burden. To conclude, the findings point to the diversity within the South Asian family caregivers. Support and services for this population have to be responsive to their unique caregiving needs.