Care
Page Hmong Elders Feelings that Affect Caregiving
Hmong
Elders’ Feelings About Role Reversal
· The Hmong community has shifted from a community that values
the wisdom of the elders to one that needs the skills of the younger generation
in order to survive in this society.
· The shift in decision-making to the younger generation causes
many elders to feel worthless.
Hmong Elders Feelings
About Food
· Family members show love and care for one another through the
provision of food. When this activity is missing from the daily family
functions, elders especially consider it a problem.
· Hmong seniors have a hard time straying from their traditional
diets of rice at every meal, boiled vegetables with meat, unseasoned vegetable
soup, and other very simple foods.
…About Grandchildren
· Some Hmong elders feel that since they have taken care of their
own children, they deserve some rest.
· Some Hmong elders showed little interest in living with their
children or caring for grandchildren.
Social Aspects
· Many Hmong seniors report feeling kho siab, a Hmong word that
describes a deep emptiness that longs to be filled.
· Part of what helps Hmong seniors feel better is the opportunity
to interact with other Hmong seniors on a regular basis.
Services that
can help:
Home Care
A few Hmong seniors may be interested in home care but most prefer their
children to be their caretakers. Hmong seniors are concerned that a provider
who does not speak their language and understand their culture will not
be able to provide appropriate care. There are agencies that have Hmong
workers who can help make a meal if you as a caregiver cannot make all
meals. In addition there may be Hmong social and “day care”
groups in your neighborhood. Contact the Senior Linkage Line 1-800-333-2433.
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
