Date of Award

2008

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Supervisor

Mirna Carranza

Language

English

Abstract

As Canada becomes increasingly ethnically diverse, health care professionals must extend their knowledge base of a range of cultural groups. Of interest in this thesis is how these cultural values and traditions intersect with those of the dominant culture. The principle guiding question was to explore the intersection between race and age and how these facets of identity impact the welfare, care, and cultural needs of the ethnic elderly living in mainstream long term care facilities (LTCFs).

The purpose of this research study is to examine the experiences of elderly East Asian immigrants who currently reside in mainstream LTCFs in Southern Ontario, through the perceptions of their informal primary caregivers. In particular, the research has focused on the participants' family member's challenges in living in a residence where the resident is cared for with Westrn ideology and methods, and primarily in English.

Three primary caregivers were interviewed uing an in-depth, qualitative methodology. Findings of this study suggest that despite assumptions of a monolithic family culture that exists for minority families where each family member abides by the rules of filial piety and is willing to give or receive care from one another, with appropriate cultural supports available, Asian families may be more prepared to consider placement for their elderly family members in LTCFs.

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