Many researchers have indicated that African Americans are more disproportionately affected by dementia than their white counterparts. There is limited research available unpacking the impact that dementia has on the black population in Canada and the United States. Currently, the research available is oftentimes out of date and doesn’t cover the black caregiver experience.
Care Receivers
There is some research that is available on the lack of diversity in nursing homes. The residence makeup of nursing and retirement homes is oftentimes older white adults, who have access to resources within their communities because of knowledge, affluence and social connections.
Many older black adults oftentimes are not comfortable living in retirement homes or nursing homes because there is not a diverse and inclusive space that takes into consideration their culture, language, sexuality, and experience. It is reported that the rate of a black adult living in a nursing home is relatively low compared to other races.
Often times these relatively white comprised nursing homes are staffed with black or visible minority caregivers. Many black caregivers experience daily discrimination and unfair treatment from older adults that they care for on a daily basis.
Caregivers
African American caregivers face many financial burdens compared to white caregivers. Even though they spend approximately the same amount of money, the financial burden they each face is slightly different. This is caused by African Americans having a lower average household income compared to white households. Black caregivers tend to spend roughly 35% of their income on expenses associated with providing care compared to the 14% that white caregivers tend to spend (Fredman 1995).
African Americans may not typically spend on hiring outside caregivers to care for their loved ones due to the cost. Being a black caregiver is a unique experience that researchers need to explore in order to understand the impacts of discrimination and racism, and the type of resources they need are provided to better care for their loved ones.
Citation Text:
Fredman L, Daly MP, Lazur AM. Burden among white and black caregivers to elderly adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 1995;50(2):S110-S118. doi:10.1093/geronb/50b.2.s110
