Health and Well-being of Family ('Ohana) Caregivers of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Adults Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.

Abstract

We aimed to describe the health and well-being of family caregivers of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), explore cultural values related to caregiving, and characterize barriers and facilitators to their health and well-being. Caregivers of NHPIs living with ADRD were recruited from across the United States to complete a multimethod study including a survey followed by an interview about their health and well-being. Eleven participants completed surveys, six of whom completed an interview. Themes included caring as a community, lōkahi (balance), and the importance of sleep, food, and physical activity. Cultural values included connection to cultural practices, kūpuna (elders) as cultural knowledge holders, and the kuleana (responsibility) of caregiving. Caregiving for an NHPI adult living with ADRD occurs beyond the dyad, and is a matter of family and community. Culturally-based interventions offered through community and healthcare organizations may be critical to promoting caregiver health.