Unveiling the Multiple Meanings of Family Caregiving and Culture: Perceptions of Formal Services and Related Barriers

The role of culture in family caregiving is important as values and traditions influence how caregivers perceive their roles and use services. This study explored the transcultural meanings of family caregiving for older adults in culturally diverse communities, including caregivers' perceptions of formal services and barriers encountered. Ten caregivers from the Chinese, South Asian, and Latin American communities in Calgary, Alberta took part in a semi-structured interview. Applying constructivist grounded theory, the multiple meanings participants attached to caregiving were explored. Constant comparison was used in data analysis. Meanings of familial obligation to provide care and social location as an immigrant were revealed as themes impacting caregivers' perceptions of formal supports. Issues of cultural compatibility of formal services and systemic factors impacting the caregiving experience also emerged as themes affecting service use. Study implications include changes to how formal services are delivered. Strategies for achieving cultural competence are needed so practitioners can better engage with diverse caregivers.;Keywords: family caregiving, culture, service barriers, aging...