Work

Cultural Adaptation of ADVANCED-Comfort for Chinese American Family Caregivers of Nursing Home Residents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Family caregivers of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia often prioritize comfort-focused care. However, culturally tailored tools to support this preference are lacking. This study aimed to culturally adapt the web-based ADVANCED-Comfort intervention and 6M Care Planning Tool to align with the values and caregiving practices of Chinese American families. We used a community-engaged, qualitative approach guided by principles of cultural tailoring and intervention mapping. A Chinese American Community Advisory Board (CAB) participated in a series of virtual meetings that included a concept mapping activity to define comfort and provide feedback on the intervention. Data were analyzed using qualitative description. CAB members identified five core themes of comfort: familiarity, respect, trust and emotional safety, connection to culture and family, and minimizing distress. These were richly illustrated with personal narratives, such as the importance of continuity in caregiving and culturally appropriate forms of address. A content mapping exercise showed strong alignment between these themes and the 6Ms of the intervention. Cultural adaptations included aesthetic refinements, incorporation of culturally specific imagery and symbolism, and greater emphasis on family naming and rituals. The 6M Care Planning Tool, co-completed by families and staff, generates a person-centered care plan that reflects shared values and is posted in the resident’s room. This cultural adaptation process demonstrated how participatory methods can enhance the relevance and acceptability of web-based interventions for diverse populations. The adapted ADVANCED-Comfort intervention is now better positioned to support culturally congruent, comfort-focused care for Chinese American families in NH settings.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaf122.4346

Authors: Andrea Wei, Benjamin Semple, Ruth Lopez

Institutions: MGH Institute of Health Professions, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wake Forest University

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977