Immigrant and first-generation caregivers face unique and systemic challenges when it comes to supporting their loved ones at the end of life. An article from Oncology Nursing News published August 2024 highlights the particular difficulties of caring for people with cancer — though the findings and potential solutions are widely applicable.
Language and communication barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system and insurance are common challenges for immigrant and first-generation caregivers. These burdens can affect the quality of care a patient receives and cause misunderstanding and stress for everyone involved.
However, the article identifies several ways individuals, organizations, and healthcare systems can address these concerns and better support caregivers.
Attention must be paid to improving communication methods and cultural competency in healthcare, including by educating providers and offering quality interpretation services. Healthcare providers can also engage caregivers with respect and humility, striving to work together as partners in caring for and communicating with the patient.
Another way to help alleviate feelings of stress, isolation, and exhaustion that many caregivers experience is to offer culturally appropriate support groups and mental health services in different languages.
Compassion & Choices is making a concerted effort to address these challenges and inequities, especially regarding end-of-life care. Through connecting with Latino, Hispanic, Asian American, and other communities with significant immigrant populations, we are working to ensure that everyone can access the information, resources, and support they need.
As part of this work, we offer free multilingual resources on end-of-life care and planning. Our Dementia Values and Priorities Tool — designed to help people with dementia plan ahead and document future healthcare wishes — is available in English, Spanish, and traditional and simplified Chinese. We have additional resources available in Spanish and remain committed to continue prioritizing language accessibility in the future.
Learn more about Compassion & Choices’ Community Engagement work and how you can get involved!
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
Michael Cavaiola
National Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
Phone: (480) 622 4427
Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
