ABSTRACT
In order to understand caregiving for patients with dementia among African American families, it is imperative that we consider the multiple contexts within which care takes place. Attention to these contexts highlights the interconnectedness of broader social trends and individual or familial characteristics. In addition, we see the interwoven effects of biological, social-cultural, and psychological factors on caregiving experiences and outcomes. This chapter has six major sections. We begin by discussing population aging in the United States and some specific demographic characteristics of African Americans as a group. These population-level statistics provide the backdrop for understanding caregiving for dementia patients among African Americans. Second, we discuss the structure and composition of African American caregiving networks in order to illustrate how various people (i.e., family members and friends) come together to provide care to an older person with dementia. Third, we cover the more specific social and cultural contexts that shape caregiving for dementia patients among African Americans. We include in this discussion specific cultural values and beliefs that are reflected in caregiving behaviors and outcomes. Fourth, we provide specific strategies for working effectively with African American caregivers of loved ones with dementia. Fifth, we provide a list of resources that provide specific information for and about African
American family caregivers of patients with dementia. We conclude with some summary points and future directions.
