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

Year: 2026

Type: article

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.

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI: 10.1177/07334648261430070

Author: Yeonjung Jane Lee

Institution: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Language: English

Topic: Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging