Psychological Impact of Caregiving When Navigating Language Barriers in Health Care: A Scoping Review

Family caregivers provide essential support to older adults, yet those caring for individuals who face language discordance may experience added challenges affecting their psychological well-being.

To synthesize the existing literature on the psychological impact of caregiving in contexts of language discordance, focusing on stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and coping strategies.

A scoping review was conducted across six electronic databases from 2000 to 2025 to identify studies examining caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals in healthcare and community settings. Quantitative and qualitative study characteristics were summarized via frequencies, and qualitative studies were additionally analyzed using content analysis. Preliminary results were reviewed with patient and family partners to inform discussion, interpretation, and implications for optimizing caregiver supports.

A total of 7590 citations were retrieved, with 53 full text reviews. Ten studies were included, primarily composed of qualitative studies. Key themes include the emotional and cognitive burden of acting as interpreters, advocates, and system navigators; filial obligations, gendered expectations, and stigma on caregiving experiences; and the protective role of language-concordant or ethno-specific services. Language-discordant caregiving was closely tied to cultural norms. Fragmented and unilingual healthcare systems, unmet service needs, and system-level barriers increased caregiver distress, whereas culturally tailored supports and coping strategies provided mitigation.

Caregivers supporting individuals who face language barriers experience significant psychological strain. Routine screening for caregiver burden, integration of professional interpreters, and expanded access to multilingual and culturally appropriate supports are recommended. Future research should employ quantitative and mixed-method designs to quantify psychological impact, investigate the intersection of language, gender, and other aspects of identity, and evaluate interventions that reduce caregiver burden. Addressing both linguistic and cultural dimensions is essential for improving caregiver well-being and promoting equitable healthcare delivery.