Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Aim</bold> This study aimed to explore Chinese Australian carers’ experiences of participation in a culturally and linguistically adapted Carer Support Program (CSP). <bold>Background</bold> In Australia the majority of care for Chinese people living with dementia is provided by family members and other informal carers. Chinese Australian carers experience substantial stress, owing to cultural obligations, social issues and the complex dementia symptoms they face on a daily basis. There is a critical need for culturally and linguistically tailored support for Chinese carers. <bold>Design</bold> A descriptive design was chosen to obtain qualitative data from Chinese Australian carers. <bold>Methods</bold> Purposive sampling method was used to recruit 43 females and 5 male Chinese Australian carers of people living with dementia who had completed the 8-session culturally and linguistically adapted CSP. Data were collected using focus group interviews to identify carer perceptions of the CSP. Thematic analysis was used to interpret findings. <bold>Findings</bold> Four main themes emerged from the data: 1) the unseen challenges of caregiving; 2) knowledge and experiences lead to stronger self-confidence; 3) the power of peer influence on caregiving; and 4) pursuing better support for carers. <bold>Conclusion</bold> A co-designed Chinese version of CSP was considered beneficial for improving self-efficacy and enhancing carer confidence in fulfilling the caregiving role. Carers identified an urgent need for culturally and linguistic appropriate support services for immigrant Chinese carers to address complex caring issues and unmet health needs. </p>