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. 2022 Jul;41(7):1744-1751.
doi: 10.1177/07334648221084998. Epub 2022 Apr 28.

Care v. Caring: Obligation, Duty, and Love Among Latino Alzheimer's Family Caregivers

Iveris L Martinez  1 , Elaine Acosta Gonzalez  2
Affiliations

Care v. Caring: Obligation, Duty, and Love Among Latino Alzheimer's Family Caregivers

Iveris L Martinez et al. J Appl Gerontol. 2022 Jul.

Abstract

The number of Latinos living with Alzheimer's disease is projected to grow. Latinos currently make one-fifth of U.S. family caregivers. In this paper, we explore the cultural scripts and gendered practice of care in Latino families in relation to the underutilization of services to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We conducted interviews with 24 Latino caregivers in Miami-Dade, Florida representing six Latin American countries of origin. Interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. We critically examined the concept of familism in order to better understand in-depth experiences of diverse Latino caregivers and concluded that an ethics of care model better elucidates the complexities of the care experience. Our analysis illustrates the ambivalence, contradictions, and changes in the beliefs and practice of care. These findings can help advance understanding among researchers and providers to develop a formal support system that is responsive to Latino caregiver needs.

Keywords: caregiving; dementia; gender; hispanics; long-term services & supports.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest (COI) statement: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Theoretical Model Development for Latino ADRD Caregivers
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