A Rapid Review of Qualitative Studies on the Latino Dementia Caregiving Experience.

Abstract

The Latino population is at an increased risk of developing dementia. Nurses have been identified as a main source of dementia care support for dementia caregivers. Latino dementia caregivers may have unique challenges due to factors including language barriers and cultural values and expectations. A rapid review was conducted to synthesize the qualitative literature on the experiences of Latino family caregivers of persons living with dementia to support nursing integration of palliative care for Latino family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Fifteen articles were included in this rapid review. Five emergent themes were identified from the included articles: (1) Culture and Caregiving Values; (2) Caregiving Challenges; (3) Health Care System Navigation; (4) Managing Dementia Care Without Formal Supports; and (5) Understanding of Dementia. Latino family caregivers often cited cultural values (eg, familismo) as central to their caregiving identities and balanced their own life and that of their loved one with limited support. This rapid review provides implications for practice, policy, and research that can better support the palliative care needs of Latino family caregivers of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.