Racial/ Ethnic Variations in Informal Caregiving

Variations in informal caregiving among members of racial/ethnic minority groups in American society are documented and discussed. Variations in attitudes, norms, practices, expectations, and stereotypes in informal caregiving among blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Asians and Pacific Islanders are considered. It is pointed out that although informal caregiving is the predominant mode of care provided for most older persons, demographic and cultural changes in all groups in the United States should lead to a greater balance between informal and formal care.