Elder Care

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that elderly patients from foreign cultures are much more likely to be first-generation immigrants whose degree of cultural assimilation is far less comprehensive than subsequent generations. The author points out that, when working with elderly immigrant populations, it is important for the practicing nurse to understand predominant cultural values and differences that may contribute to the practitioner-patient dynamic. The paper examines the cultural influence of African American, Puerto Rican and Russian-born elderly patients by comparing their respective attitudes and lifestyles in relation to a wide range of nursing-related elements.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Family Dynamics
Concepts of Health and Disease, Screening and Prevention, Traditional Remedies, and the Sanctity of the Human Body
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"As in all facets of patient care, effective communication is crucially important when treating elderly patients from different cultural backgrounds. Russian and African American families are less likely to associate traditional diet with specific medical value, but Hispanic patients, (especially the elderly) often believe in the medicinal value of certain components of their traditional diet. This presents an issue for the nurse, both in terms of convincing patients to accept appropriate medical treatment and also in terms of avoiding contraindicated foods provided by the family."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clark, C., Robinson, T. (2000) Multiculturalism As a Concept in Nursing. Journal of the Black Nurses Association, 11(2), 39-43
• Gerrig, R, Zimbardo, P. (2005) Psychology and Life (18th ed.) New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Miller, A. Chandler, P. (2002) Acculturation, Resilience, and Depression in Midlife Women from the Former Soviet Union. Nursing Research, 51(1), 26-32.
• Spector, R. (2000) Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness (5th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Stanhope, M., Lancaster, J. (2004) Community and Public Health Nursing (6th ed.) St. Louis: Mosby.

More papers on Elder Care:

• Persuasive Essay # 135639 : "Elder Care and the Future of Nursing"
• Term Paper # 122441 : "Elder Care"
• Comparison Essay # 136742 : "Elder Care: Japan and United States Compared"

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