Cultural Assessment Of Elderly Chinese Americans

Cultural Assessment of Elderly Chinese Americans
NUR/542

Cultural Assessment of Elderly Chinese Americans
Chinese Americans make up the largest subgroup of Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs), one of the fastest growing ethnic groups, currently representing 4% of the total U.S. population [4] (Parikh, Fahs, Shelley, & Yemeni, 2009, p. 7). This cultural assessment will describe elderly Chinese Americans in Flushing, New York, their ethnic and cultural health practices, religious belief systems, language, nutrition, literacy, education, and census data. Management of their health and illness issues is also discussed. Cultural assessment theory and an assessment tool are used for the study, and their usefulness, strengths, and
Health is equated to finding harmony between the complementary forces of yin and yang. Special foods and herbs are used to restore balance between yin and yang and promote healing. Other common practices include massage, acupuncture, conferring with a medium or spiritualist, and moxibuxtion, which is a traditional Chinese technique that involves burning an herb called Mugwort to facilitate healing. Otherwise, Chinese Americans do not generally have conflict with Western health practices but when an illness is considered shameful, they often will not seek treatment. Bad news regarding diagnosis or prognosis is shielded from the patient by family members because they believe it will make the patient worse medically. With family having such a significant role in decision-making processes, it is imperative to explain and encourage durable power of attorney or other tool used to give power to the person making medical
It successfully identified data on the family’s development, history, environment, health and illness beliefs and practices, religion, cultural beliefs, language, literacy and education issues, and a host of other information. Although it was found that most Chinese Americans still prefer to try traditional remedies first, it was also found that Western medicine is an option they are open to when available and all else fails. Familial influences and education are the major factors governing health status. Those who are more educated, have better overall health. Elderly Chinese Americans in Flushing, NY will probably always encounter issues with health care because most of them still do not speak English and were never formally educated. Educating this population on their medications and available interventions will improve their quality of life and possibly extend their life spans. It is time stop allowing elderly Chinese Americans to be lost in poverty and suffering