Caregiving obligations are deeply felt in many Hispanic families; even those with few resources traditionally have not hesitated to assume responsibility for aging parents. But these days familialismo is running up against harsh modern realities. According to Jacqueline Angel, professor of sociology and public policy at the University of Texas, many Hispanic families are struggling with language barriers that make navigating the health care system difficult, and with poverty that limits care options and makes retirement planning an elusive, unaffordable dream.
Hispanics also live longer on average than African-Americans and non-Hispanic whites, despite higher levels of poverty and less health insurance coverage — a combination so unusual that researchers call it the “Hispanic paradox.” At the same time, Hispanics experience higher rates of diabetes and obesity than non-Hispanic whites, which complicate caregiving at home.
Those responsibilities most often fall on women, as they do in most families. “They often underutilize formal services and experience a great deal of stress,” said Maria Rosa, vice president of the National Council of La Raza’s Institute for Hispanic Health. “Still, because of language barriers, low income, lack of insurance or a genuine feeling of responsibility, Latinos continue to use family as a primary source of care. ” In the 2008, the last year for which data are available, the percentage of Hispanics over age 65 living with relatives was about double that of the total population of older adults.
HFA’s Hospice Information Center offers many free print resources to address diverse communities, including Spanish-language resources such as Cómo Cuidar a Alguien que está Muriendo (Caring for Someone Who is Dying). A short video, Comprendiendo el Cuidado en un Hospice (Understanding Hospice) is also available here.
