May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The month celebrates the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The diverse AAPI community is comprised of more than 50 different ethnic groups.

Sometimes, grouping AAPI together can promote a sense of solidarity, and help address common issues and challenges. However, viewing everyone who is AAPI as the same overlooks the  large differences between each AAPI ethnic group. These differences mean that AAPI caregiving experiences vary widely. For instance, some people assume that most Asian Americans are financially secure. However, Asian Americans have the greatest wealth gap over other ethnic groups (Pew Research Center, 2018). Many families in Asian American communities have real financial needs. So, basing dementia care on assumptions can be harmful. It is crucial to understand that the same plan does not work for every person. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles uses a caregiving plan that recognizes each individual’s unique needs and values.

Below are ways for you to get involved and support Alzheimer’s Los Angeles: