Future Care Planning of Korean Migrant Parents for Individuals Living With Disabilities in New Zealand: A Cultural Consideration

Abstract

For parents providing care for people living with disabilities, future care provision is an inevitable concern. Migrant parents are often faced with "dual challenges", not only as parents of an individual living with disabilities but also as migrants, creating immediate or additional barriers to their engagement in the planning process. This study explores the impact of cultural differences and how they shape the future care plans of Korean migrant parents providing care for individuals living with disabilities. Applying a qualitative approach, this study conducted semistructured interviews with Korean migrant parents in New Zealand (n=8) and professionals working with them (n=10). The collected data were analysed using the content analysis method. The findings revealed a strong emphasis on familism and cultural barriers experienced by migrant families that negatively affect the planning process. For future care planning to take its place as a conventional care phase, some political and practical recommendations are presented. IMPLICATIONS Future care provision planning is a pervasive concern for parents providing care for individuals living with disabilities; thus, it must take its place as a conventional phase of care. The impact of cultural differences and the values attached need to be taken into consideration in policy making and social work practice to elevate the level of involvement in the future care planning process among migrant families.