The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60646

Tina L. Harralson, PhD¹, Chee Y. Lee, MSW², Maureen Casey, MA³, Natalie A. Brown, BA¹, Eun Sook Kang, BA², Chijoung Song, MSW², Barbara Tobin, CRNP³, and Christopher Minnick, MSW³. (1) Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and Research, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, One Penn Boulevard, Wister Tower, 4th Fl. Suite 4442, Philadelphia, PA 19144, 215-951-8470, HarralsonT@einstein.edu, (2) Jaisohn Memorial Heatlhcare Center, 6705 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19126, (3) Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141

This educational program provides caregiver training for family and/or informal caregivers of Korean elders in a series of didactic and practical sessions. The content of these sessions include: an examination of views of aging in the Korean culture vs. views of aging in the U.S., information on normal healthy aging in various body systems (i.e., cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory), memory loss and validation (using techniques like centering and mirroring), assisting in functional activities of daily living, restorative care including skin and continence care, infection control, medication safety, caring for the caregiver, and end-of-life decisions.

This unique program is the joint effort of a large, urban hospital and a Korean community center, which provides medical and social services. A bilingual facilitator conducts the interviews and program sessions. Pre- and post-tests are administered at the beginning and end of each session and will serve as the evaluation tools of this program. To date, 150 Korean elders have been interviewed and 20 caregivers have been enrolled in the program.

Our presentation will include: demographic data pertaining to Korean caregivers and elders, medical comorbidity data on the Korean elders, social support data on Korean caregivers and an evaluation of the program. Discussion will include the importance of addressing cultural issues and concerns in caregiving.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to
• 1) Discuss cultural issues and concerns related to caregiving of elder Koreans in the United States.
• 2) Evaluate a program focused on educating caregivers regarding everyday care and end-of-life issues of Korean elders.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.