Culturally Sensitive Practicewith Immigrant Seniors in

Long Term CareRegina, Saskatchewan

Canada

Kavita Ram, MSW

M. Joanne Durst, MSWMetropolis Conference

Vienna, Austria September 2003

About Regina, SK

Population: 200,000 Capital City of Saskatchewan, Canada Agriculturally based economy Strong work ethic Population is Ageing Regina Qu-Appelle Health Region Populated by European immigrants

About Saskatchewan

43% of individuals over 65 are British, French and Canadian

54% of individuals over 65 are of other ethnic origins

3% of individuals over 65 are of Aboriginal origin

Recent trends

Immigrant origin• Africa• Asia• Africa• Latin America• Caribbean

Largest Ethnic Groups in Reginaby Senior Age Cohorts Age 65-75

• German• Ukrainian• Dutch

Age 75+• German• Ukrainian• Norwegian (Source: 1996 Census, Statistics Canada)

Extendicare/Sunset

152 bed long term care facility Level 3 and 4 Chronic Care

Extendicare/Parkside

Special Care Home (Level 3 & 4) Affiliate of Regina Qu’Appelle Health

Region 228 Residents Transition Unit (12-bed) Special Needs Unit (36-beds)

• Residents with Dementia

Resident Profile

Almost all are over the age of 65 Average age Most residents are of European Origin

• Romanian, German, Ukrainian, Norwegian, Hungarian, French, English, Irish, Scottish, Dutch

3% are Asian (Chinese) 1% Aboriginal

Community Agencies

The Regina Open Door Society Immigrant Women’s Association of Regina Regina Multicultural Association Native Counseling Services for Aboriginal

residents (Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region)

Facility Education Programs

Cultural Diversity Training program Staff are sent to workshops about

spiritually and multiculturalism Caregivers are multicultural and are

encouraged to share insights about their own cultural with other

Case Studies

74-year old woman of Greek origin 87 year old Vietnamese resident 92 year old client of Greek origin 77 year old client of Chinese origin

Culturally Sensitive Practice Recognize each

person’s unique experience

Thorough Assessment • Social History

• Degree of Acculturation

• Family Support and Dynamics

Language • Use family members to

translate• Use translators

Knowledge about cultural differences• self-determination• trust• privacy• family caregiving

responsibilities