This study explores the attitudes of immigrant Korean caregivers and their experiences of caring for an elderly relative in the context of adaptive processes in the United States. Focusing on how living in a host country affects the attitudes and values of these caregivers, this study employs a descriptive, case study approach aimed at documenting and better understanding Korean caregivers’ attitudes towards elderly care and decision making in end-of-life care. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Korean participants residing in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio in 2010. Five aspects of elderly care were addressed: (1) Experiences of caregivers with the Elderly; (2) Caregivers’ attitudes towards aging and death; (3) Caregivers’ experiences with caregiving; (4) Use and knowledge of health care services among caregivers, and (5) Caregivers’ attitudes towards end-of-life care and decision making.

Analysis of transcripts suggests that first-generation immigrants retain a strong sense of filial piety and duty toward parents, but separated from the wider family network, they often struggle to provide for their parents in the traditional manner. Not all of the caregivers were familiar with advanced directives, but all expressed concerns with Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders which can conflict with traditional Korean end-of-life values wherein family members make decisions on behalf of their elderly relative. Many Koreans are misinformed about important subjects such as advance directives, hospice care and Life Sustaining Technology (LST). Health care professionals can benefit from reading this study by identifying caregivers and educating them on these subjects in a culturally sensitive manner.