Book Review: The Hidden Among the Hidden: African-American Elder Male Caregivers

The Hidden Among the Hidden: African-American Elder Male Caregivers, by Helen K. Black, John T. Groce, and Charles E. Harmon, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 9780190602321, New York, NY, 2017, 158 pages, $65.00 hardcover.

    Authors Black, Groce, and Harmon astutely recognize how little research exists on the informal unpaid caregiving experience of older African American men who reside in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania locale.  The book’s preface notes what is generally known about this small sample of older males who have cared for their wives or mothers. These men feel unprepared, resist asking for help, are unaware of many community resources, and are reluctant to discuss their arduous caregiving experiences. Some do not even refer to their acts as caregiving.

    The book illustrates how the caregiving experiences of thirteen older African American men are inextricably linked to their historical, regional, and cultural contexts. These men were excluded and segregated; and they closely observed how in their family of origin caregiving was an expected normal part of one’s life course. Sprinkled throughout the thematically driven face-to-face qualitative interview data are themes from literature that elucidate how African American elder male caregivers are considered most at risk for social, psychological, and economic distress while serving as a primary caregiver for their loved one.

    The early historical aspects of African Americans, specifically in Philadelphia, will fascinate readers who live close to or far from the area. The authors highlight the influence of the Black church and 20th century realities. Because interviewers (and friends for over sixty years) Groce and Harmon are themselves active African American caregivers, their interview content yields a high level of authenticity and understanding regarding the psyche and economics of caregiving.

    Because women still render the bulk of family care, this book’s content is insightful about the 30-40% of elderly male spouses caring for wives. These men often refer to themselves as “loving husband” or “devoted son,” rather than caregiver.

    As social workers, gerontologists, and other helping professionals prepare to help older adult African American men become caregivers, they must be cognizant of their vulnerability. Many of their adult children have migrated to other states. Therefore, the men’s experiences of suffering often go unheard and unobserved.  

    Narrative inquiry, or ethnography using semi-structured qualitative interviews, was the methodological framework used to elicit participant responses. Readers will find a written depiction of a group of older men who share a particular ethos. The thirteen study participants were interviewed for approximately two hours each. Interviews occurred either in the men’s homes or at another mutually agreed upon venue. Page 10 contains a table that nicely organizes collected data regarding the participants’ demographic profile and length of caregiving experience.

    Overall, the book is an easy and quick read. Despite the book’s occasional repetitiveness—and singularity of only interviewing men residing in Philadelphia—educators, practitioners, and family members will find valuable content and cited literature within its covers.

    Get your copy of this book and enjoy the stories of several older African American men who have chosen to share their experiences about caregiving for their wives and/or mothers, rather than remain hidden.

Reviewed by Lisa E. Cox, Ph.D., LCSW, MSW, Professor of Social Work, Research Chair, Stockton Center on Successful Aging, Stockton University.