Strengthening Support for Immigrant Direct Care Workers: Recommendations from Experienced Direct Care Workers for People Living with Dementia

Abstract

Immigrant workers comprise 27% of the U.S. direct care workforce, yet their experiences and support needs remain understudied. This study examined direct care workers’ experiences and recommendations for supporting immigrant workers in dementia care settings. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, 27 direct care workers completed a survey, and 25 completed in-depth interviews. Participants were predominantly female and ethnically diverse, with high job satisfaction despite burnout challenges. Qualitative results revealed three key themes: (1) need for enhanced educational support on dementia care and safety protocols, (2) importance of cultural and language resources, and (3) opportunities for career advancement and improved working conditions. Findings suggest that interventions addressing individual skill development, organizational cultural competency, and policy changes are needed to better support immigrant direct care workers and strengthen the dementia care workforce.

Keywords

caregiving dementia home and community-based care and services mixed methods minority

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