In 2009, 42.1 million family caregivers in the United States provided care to an adult in need of help with daily activities. One in ten (10 percent) of these caregivers are Hispanic and 11 percent are African American.

Addressing the needs of racially and ethnically diverse family caregivers can play an important role in reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and nursing home care, and improving transitions between care settings.  AARP conducted qualitative research using a series of focus groups with Hispanic and African American family caregivers, nurses and social workers across the nation to delve deeper into these issues.

This insight on the issues defines who these family caregivers are and recognizes that many are taking on significant responsibilities as part of the “new normal” for family caregiving, providing unpaid contributions estimating to be worth $450 billion annually.

The report also explores the needs of African American and Hispanic family caregivers, finding common themes between the two groups and also between the nurses and social workers. Finally, the report offers solutions for improving collaboration and communication between the families and the professionals.