The elderly grapple with a number of challenges that significantly erode the quality of their lives. These challenges range from neglect and abuse to loneliness and ill health (Greener, 2015). Falls that pose a serious risk is yet another hurdle that they encounter. In an effort to help their elderly members cope, families tend to place them in nursing homes. In these homes, they join other elderly individuals who are no longer able to function independently. The decision to place an elderly member in a home is always a painful one. The member is forced to give up an environment that is familiar as they begin a new life. To ensure that the transition into a nursing facility occurs smoothly, it is vital for one to consider the culture and strive to serve the best interest of the concerned elderly person.
Mrs. G is clearly satisfied with her life and family. Evidence of this can be seen in her description of her late husband. She remembers her husband fondly as “the life of the party.” That she remained close to her husband is further evidence that she deeply values family. Her decision to stay in the same house that she has lived in for 35 years also indicates that she is firmly attached to and deeply cares for her family. Another indication that Mrs. G is satisfied with her life is her refusal to be placed in her nursing facility. Were it that she found her life to be unsatisfying and depressing, she would have been enthusiastic about being place in the nursing home. It can also be argued that Mrs. G cherishes her tradition. Hispanics are known for their commitment to the family (Landale, Oropesa & Bradatan, 2006). The family is usually at the center of an individual’s life and affairs. While Mrs. G’s feelings about her family are warm, the same cannot be said about her future. Her future is rather bleak and does not hold much promise. Older adults encounter many challenges that make it nearly impossible for them to live alone (Fausset et al., 2011). They need constant help from others. Mrs. G has already suffered falls and cannot rely on the services of her nurse who only visits her weekly. If Mrs. G’s future is to be secured, she must agree to be placed in a nursing home.
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Mrs. G’s response is not at all surprising. It is common for elderly people to protest against the recommendation that they should be placed in nursing homes. Leaving their homes for a strange place is daunting and it is little wonder that many elderly people are not excited about entering nursing homes. Moreover, some homes do not have a positive reputation. There have been reports of elderly people being subjected to neglect and abuse in the homes (Greener, 2015). Furthermore, the homes tend to lack the warmth, character and life that the elderly desire. All these reasons make it easy for one to understand why Mrs. G refuses to leave her home for a nursing facility.
Mrs. G’s culture as a Hispanic is undoubtedly playing a role in shaping her decision. As noted above, the Hispanic culture places high premium on family. Hispanics value family and go to great lengths to preserve it (Landale, Oropesa & Bradatan, 2006). Mrs. G’s attachment to her husband and her desire to remain in her home are indications that her culture is directing her decisions. It has been observed that members of the Hispanic community tend to stay clear of nursing homes (Thomeer, Mudrazija & Angel, 2015). This observation is indication that the Hispanic culture is shaping Mrs. G’s decision.
Communicating with older adults can be difficult. It becomes particularly difficult when one wishes to discuss a sensitive matter such as moving the elderly adult into a nursing facility. If Mrs. G’s daughter truly wishes to demonstrate compassion and assure her mother that she understands her situation, she must proceed with care. She should tell Mrs. G that she understands how painful it will be for her to leave a house that she has known for 35 years. She should also acknowledge that the transition into the nursing facility will not be smooth. However, Mrs. G’s daughter also needs to assure her that the nursing facility offers the best promise of securing her health. As she says this, Mrs. G’s daughter needs to use non-verbal communication effectively. Maintaining eye contact is one element of non-verbal communication that enhances interactions with the elderly (Robinson, White & Houchins, 2006). Mrs. G’s daughter should look her in the eye as she assures her that all will be well.
It is indeed possible that Mrs. G’s daughter will be unsuccessful in her attempts to persuade her (Mrs. G) to move to a nursing facility. If this happens, her daughter should exploit other resources that are available. One of the resources that can be used to provide care to the elderly is nursing services. Mrs. G’s daughter can make arrangements for a nurse to be permanently assigned the task of caring for Mrs. G. Another resource is Mrs. G’s own family. It is common for family members to join forces and take care of their elderly members. Most of Mrs. G’s children stay within the state. This means that having family members take care of her is a viable option.
In conclusion, Mrs. G represents the millions of older adults who are dealing with many challenges that stem from their old age. While nursing homes that are fully equipped to attend to the needs of the elderly are available, many older adults are reluctant to move into these homes. This is because as they move into these homes, the older adults will be giving up a familiar home and environment. To ensure that older adults receive the best possible care, family members need to come together and determine the option that holds the greatest promise.
References
Fausset, C. B., Kelly, A. J., Rogers, W. A. & Fisk, A. D. (2011). Challenges to Aging in Place: Understanding Home Maintenance Difficulties. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 25 (2), 125-141.
Greener, J. (2015). Embedded Neglect, Entrenched Abuse: Market Failure and Mistreatment in Elderly Residential Care. In Irving, Z., Fenger, M. & Hudson, J. Social Policy Review 27:Analysis and Debate in Social Policy, 2015. Bristol: Policy Press.
Landale, N. S., Oropesa, R. S. & Bradatan, C. (2006). Hispanic Families in the UnitedStates: Family Structure and Process in an Era of Family Change. In Mitchell, F. (Ed.).
Hispanics and the Future of America. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
Robinson, T. E., White, G. L. & Houchins, J. C. (2006). Improving Communication with OlderPatients: Tips from the Literature. Family Practice Management, 13 (8), 73-78.
Thomeer, M. B., Mudrazija, S. & Angel, J. L. (2015). How do Race and Hispanic Ethnicity Affect Nursing Home Admission? Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 70 (4),628-638.
