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Oftentimes, the elders of a family have assimilated into American
culture much less than their children and grandchildren, and therefore may trust the
American healthcare system much less to serve their needs. They may instead rely on family
members to care for them, who will use a variety of traditional methods of healthcare to
ease the many ailments and conditions that are associated with aging. Many families that
have not fully assimilated into America, such as the Bosnians, are ashamed to place their
parents in nursing homes, because this would imply that they do not care about their
parents.
Elderly health care is also a subject of concern in communities of color
whose members have resided in the United States long enough to value western medicine,
however, due to their economic circumstances, may not have the means to afford nursing
care and prescriptions for their parents. Awareness of these concerns may help younger
family members care for their senior members.
Specific Areas of Concern:
- Family and Respect: People of many non-American cultures abide by a
much more traditional family hierarchical structure. For instance, many Vietnamese young
people who respect their traditions, look upon their parents and grandparents with
great respect, and thus consider it their sacred duty to care for their parents in old
age. Therefore, a Vietnamese elder may not go to a doctor or a hospital until absolutely
necessary.
- Traditional and Home Remedies: People from some cultures will practice
traditional and home remedies to care for their elderly family members, and may even
choose to administer these remedies in place of medication prescribed by a doctor if their
elder is more familiar and comfortable with this type of healing.
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