The growing number of Asian Pacific Islander (API) population of older adults and caregivers has increased their long-term services, and supportive services need. Studies indicate that API caregivers are more likely to develop mental health symptoms than other racial and ethnic groups. However, due to cultural factors, API caregivers are less likely to demonstrate stress, seek help, or utilize services openly.
The authors conducted a study with objectives to bridge the training gap, explore the API caregiver training needs, identify existing caregivers training programs linguistically tailored for the API community, and refine the API Caregiver Train-the-Trainer (APICTT) previously developed by the principal investigator, Iris Chi. The study conducted 1) evidence mapping of API caregiver training programs including information on curriculum, language, length, format, and cost; 2) API Community-Based Organization (CBO) caregiver training needs assessment through online surveys and focus groups; 3) online survey sampling of CBO’s within cities that had an API population of more than fifty percent; 4) CBO administrative staff group consultation about the APICTT curriculum, and 5) caregiver focus groups in Chinese and Korean.
The study findings provide insights about developing a culturally relevant caregiver training performed grounded on needs assessments and feedback from API caregivers and community-based organizations. It points to a shortfall of available API caregiver programs in the United States and programs offering in-person training. The authors point out that CBOs are essential for community engagement and their existing service networks create a strong pathway for delivering caregiver training programs.
Copy Editor: Jessica Diaz
Note: Article published in Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Reference:
Chi, I., Liu, M., & Wang, S. (2020). Developing the Asian Pacific Islander Caregiver Train-the-Trainer Program in the United States. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 29(6), 490-507. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313204.2018.1536906