Caregiving Among AfricanAmerican Elderly: Community Involvement

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Caregiving Among African-American Elderly
Community Involvement
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Recent Research Has Shown

• Alzheimers disease is more prevalent among
  African-Americans than among whites
• There is greater familial risk of Alzheimers in
  African-Americans
• Genetic and environmental factors may work
  differently to cause Alzheimers disease in
  African-Americans

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Recent Research

• There is under reporting of dementia among
  African-Americans
• African-Americans tend to be diagnosed at a later
  stage of Alzheimers disease, thus limiting the
  effectiveness of treatments
• African-Americans face an increased incidence of
  disease, including heart disease, stroke, kidney
  disease, diabetes, vascular dementia and
  Alzheimers disease.

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Recent Research

• As minority populations get older, they will see
  a dramatic rise in their risk of Alzheimers
  disease. (James Jackson Alzheimers Association
  Medical Scientific Advisory Council)
• Minorities are at higher risk than whites for
  conditions that make them more vulnerable to
  heart disease and stroke, and researchers say
  this may explain minorities greater risk of
  Alzheimers

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Recent Research

• Dr. James Laditka of the University of South
  Carolina studied 37,000 Alzheimers patients,
  part of a statewide registry of the disease. His
  team found that blacks aged 55 to 64 were more
  than three times as likely to have Alzheimers as
  their white counterparts.
• Noting that in South Carolina, African-Americans
  have an especially high rate of obesity,
  diabetes, and heart disease, Laditka said the
  findings may reflect lifestyle.

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Caregivers and African-American Families

• In a 1994 study of mother-daughter families found
  that African-American daughters have a strong
  sense of responsibility which made them less
  receptive to the use of formal services.
• Family assistance continues as the primary
  support.

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Caregivers and African-American Families

• In a 1993 study of family caregivers, caregivers
  were predominantly female and care recipients
  were also primarily female.
• The majority of elders lived with and were
  primarily cared for by family members.
• The values of these families supported family
  care as opposed to institutional placement.

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Family and Home

• Care is usually provided by extended family,
  including a network of friends who are considered
  family.
• Elders are respected, obeyed and considered a
  source of wisdom.

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Family and Home

• Generations often live in the same home, with
  care provided to children and elders at the same
  time.
• Long term care or institutionalization is a last
  resort for most families.
• Families may refuse services because they do not
  believe they need it, in spite of high levels of
  stress.

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Help Seeking Methods

• It is believed that the cultural context in which
  care is given and received is shaped by the
  legacy of slavery and African traditions.

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Help Seeking Methods

• Caregivers often find solace in their religion,
  and use it as a means of coping with their
  feelings about their loved ones illness. An
  example would be their use of prayer.
• African-Americans are less open to physical
  contact and are acutely aware of personal space.

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Help Seeking Methods

• Families frequently seek support from their faith
  community, including ministers and church groups.
• Families are typically very private, not sharing
  concerns with strangers.
• Important to address elders with titles such as
  Mrs. or Sir.

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Barriers

• Families may not be aware of care
  options/community resources or there are barriers
  to access. (Ballard, EL, 1993)
• One-third of African-Americans live in poverty,
  preventing access to health care and services to
  ease the care giving tasks. (U.S. Census Bureau,
  2000)

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Barriers

• Family caregivers may lack trust in service
  providers and this can show in their response.
  Time is necessary to building a trusting
  relationship.
• Many members of the African-American community
  attribute the symptoms of cognitive impairment to
  normal aging.

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African-American Outreach and Education

• The Alzheimers Association, the National Caucus
  and Center on Black Aged (NCBA), and Delta Sigma
  Theta Sorority, Inc. have formed a partnership to
  deliver education sessions and information to
  African- Americans through local, regional and
  national meetings and conferences.

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African-American Outreach and Education

• The three organizations aim to
• Increase awareness of dementia within the
  African-American population.
• Increase knowledge of the signs and symptoms of
  dementia, caregiving techniques, and resources
  available in ones community.
• Increase use of formal community services for
  African- Americans with dementia and those who
  care for them.

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What Needs to be Done

• Accelerate research to understand Alzheimers in
  African-Americans and to develop effective
  methods to manage and prevent the disease
• Increase awareness of Alzheimers among
  African-Americans, expand their participation in
  research and to get services and treatments to
  those who are affected by the disease
• Develop and expand affordable, culturally
  appropriate services, including assessment,
  diagnosis and care

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Ten Steps to Start an African-American Support
Group
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• Step 1 Learn the Cultural Map for Living
• Step 2 Dispel Long Held Perceptions About
  Support Groups
• Step 3 Identify Key Persons In The
  African-American Community Willing To Serve As
  Liaisons or Coaches
• Step 4 Obtain Support From African-American
  Churches

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• Step 5 Identify An Appropriate Meeting Location
• Step 6 Identify Train African-American Support
  Group Facilitators
• Step 7 Recruit African-American Professionals
  for the Speakers Bureau

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• Step 8 Publicize The Support Group Meetings
• Step 9 Serve Refreshments
• Step 10 Maintain Personal Contact With Support
  Group Members