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Care
Page In recent years, managing the responsibilities of caregiving has become an important issue for the Hmong community. It has forced the community to reexamine its family structures and values. Tradition says that it is the family’s duty to care for elderly family members. It is a way for children to show appreciation to their parents, grandparents, and other elders. In the Hmong language, this concept of caring is captured in the phrase nco cov laus tshav ntuj. Literally translated, it means, “Remember the sunshine of the elders.” In other words, children should never forget what their parents have done for them, including providing a roof over their heads. Being able to remember that sunshine, however, is becoming increasingly difficult for many reasons. In today’s society, most families rely on two incomes in order to provide for their families, and children have to attend school. Extended family members often do not live close to one another anymore. In addition, the needs of Hmong elders have become more complex. They are faced with the management of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes within a health care system that is not equipped to meet their language and cultural needs. These changes in family dynamics and elders’ needs are some of the factors that challenge the way families care for their elders. Perspective: Hmong Seniors, Hmong Caregivers
Realizing the different values your Hmong parents or in-laws have and acknowledging to them that you know you both have different views about who can take care of them may be a good start in dealing with caregiving issues. They need to know that you do care about them but that you have other responsibilities that may make it difficult to fulfill your traditional role. Sometimes a professional can help figure out what role you can play and how outside support can help you and your family in a respectful way. Social workers from agencies where your elder lives can be found by calling the state-wide Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433 (they will need the zip code of your elder) or in the metro-area, First Call for Help: 651-291-0211. Excerpts from
and modification of: New Country, New Home: Exploring Housing Preferences
of Hmong Seniors, Focus Groups with Hmong Seniors and Adult Children,
Aging Initiative, Minnesota Department of Human Services, April 2000.
For the original publication, contact the Minnesota Department of Human
Services, 444 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN 55155. Information
Desk phone: 651-297-3933. www.dhs.state.mn.us
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