Poll: Hispanics more positive on long-term care

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hispanics are more likely to consider caring for an elderly relative or friend to be a positive experience, and less likely to say it creates stress in their families, a new poll found.

More than 9 in 10 Hispanics over age 40 reflected positively on their personal experiences in providing assistance to loved ones, while 82 percent of non-Hispanics offered positive reflections, according to the poll released today by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Also, 36 percent of Hispanic caregivers said they experienced stress as a result of assisting loved ones on an ongoing basis, with 54 percent of non-Hispanic caregivers saying the same.

Hispanic caregivers were also slightly less likely to say the experience placed a burden on their personal finances.

"There's something to be said about the Hispanic culture that embraces caring for our families," Yanira Cruz, president and CEO of the National Hispanic Council on Aging, said. "It has been a way of life for us, and for many Hispanics, being able to care for a loved one or parent is gratifying because it's a way to fulfill what we have been raised to do."

According to the poll, 60 percent of Hispanics 40 and older said they have provided, received or financed long-term care services, and 15 percent are currently receiving or have received long-term, ongoing living assistance.