Intergenerational relations and views on elder care facility use among Asian Indian immigrants in North Carolina

Research Fellow: Sudha Shreeniwas

This project examines how intergenerational relations change in the context of immigration to the US among Asian Indians, and how these processes influence views toward extra-familial elder care use of older immigrants and their adult children. Asian Indians are the second or third largest Asian subgroup in the US (they are the largest Asian subgroup in NC). Intergenerational relations are examined in the context of extended family norms and expectations. The theory of ambivalence in intergenerational relationships is examined in this context. Results indicate that immigrant older adults still find coresidence and family care to be normative. Their adult children are willing to care for them, but do not expect the same for themselves when they reach old age. Structural barriers, especially limited eligibility for and access to health insurance and health care, and shortage of culturally competent care workers, pose significant challenges for this community of older adults and their families.