Suggestions for dementia healthcare professionals developing services for Chinese families
To work most effectively and to provide the best healthcare for people with dementia the person's country of origin, their cultural and social and political backgrounds must be considered.
Country of origin affects culture and social beliefs
Chinese people come from many different countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Each country has its own culture and
social and religious conditions that can be very different. Finding out about a person's history, their
lifestyle prior to moving to their present location (America, Canada or Europe) will help you to understand each
other better. Only by finding out this information will your assessment and treatment be fully effective.
Belief affects the Chinese community's view of dementia
Alzheimer's and dementia generally, is seen as a normal part of the aging process and often not as a disease process. This may be one reason why some Chinese-Americans do not always seek treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's and dementia may be seen as shameful. Shame can affect how and to what extent family information and/or
information about the person with dementia is shared with others outside the family such as social workers and health care
professionals.
Signs and symptoms of dementia may be minimized.
Identify language and dialect of Chinese family
It goes without saying that the best way to improve understanding and to provide the best health care for Chinese people is
to communicate in the primary language of the patient and his or her family. Cantonese and Mandarin are the two forms of Chinese language most
often spoken in the U.S.
A key feature has to be accessing translation services to establish a collaborative working relationship.
Identify the decision maker in Chinese family
This relationship will be a key feature to providing best care.
Identifying the primary caregiver in Chinese family
Inclusive healthcare provision requires that you actively develop a rapport with the primary caregiver. The person who is
pivotal to the well being of the person with dementia. Family obligations are strong features of Chinese caregivers. That
does not mean that they do not suffer anxiety, fatigue and many of the difficulties that caregivers have to cope with.
Developing links and collaborations in the local Chinese community
An essential to providing best care services is to develop collaborations with Chinese people who are highly regarded in
their community. This is key to working with any ethnic group. You will find that they will be very helpful in getting your
message of healthcare facilities and education across. They will also help you understand and learn more about Chinese
lifestyle so that you can provide culturally sensitive information and help.
Use Chinese media to pass on information about dementia and your health care services
This two way collaboration is the most helpful on a number of fronts.
It will pass on educational information and it can help Chinese people find out how dementia and Alzheimer's is viewed by the
country in which they now live. It will also inform them of health care provision and self help organizations in their area that can provide support services.
Providing In-home dementia care services
Developing bilingual, culturally sensitive services will result in best collaborative care that meets the needs of the
Chinese community.
Updated 12/4/2005
