Finding Assisted Living for Chinese American Older Adults

It’s no secret that the Chinese culture places great significance on the family structure. In Chinese families, respect and care for the elderly are believed to be some of the strongest values held. However, times have changed, and in many Chinese American families, older adults have become more open to the idea of assisted living communities, which can provide personal care and help with activities of daily living (ADLs), socialization and limited medical assistance. In fact, a study conducted in 2015 indicated that 38% of elderly Chinese adults are open to the idea of moving to a nursing home or senior living facility.

That said, some Chinese American seniors continue to have concerns about moving to an assisted living facility. These range from concerns about language barriers to food. In response, facilities that cater specifically to Chinese Americans have started to open up, creating culturally authentic environments that appeal specifically to Chinese American seniors. Despite the existence of these facilities, many Chinese American seniors continue to feel hesitant about making the move.

This guide covers some of the most common concerns these seniors have about assisted living, tips for caregivers, state and federal resources and advice on how to choose an assisted living facility for Chinese American seniors.

Common Concerns of Chinese Americans Related to Assisted Living

When it comes to assisted living, there are several concerns that Chinese American older adults and their families may have:

• Food choices: Chinese American older adults may have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, and it is important to ensure that the assisted living community offers food that is culturally appropriate and meets their dietary needs.
• Language barriers: Many Chinese American older adults may not be fluent in English, which can create communication barriers with staff and other residents.
• Religion: Religion can play an important role in the lives of Chinese American older adults. For those who are religious, it’s important to find an assisted living community that offers religious services or makes accommodations for spiritual practices.
• Cultural stigma: Some Chinese American families may feel guilty or ashamed about placing their loved ones in assisted living, as it may be seen as neglecting their duty to care for them.
• Socialization: Chinese American older adults may want to be around people who speak their language and share their cultural background.
• Staff training: It’s important to find an assisted living community with staff that is culturally sensitive and trained to work with Chinese American older adults.

Dealing With Cultural Guilt of Moving a Loved One to Assisted Living

Moving a loved one to assisted living can be a difficult decision for any family, but it can be particularly challenging for Chinese American families who value providing care for their elders. Family caregivers who choose to move their loved ones to an assisted living facility may face extreme guilt or shame about their decision. Here are some ways caregivers can cope with that guilt and see the benefit of assisted living for their senior loved one.

• Talk it out: Talk to trusted friends, family members or a counselor about the decision. This can help alleviate feelings of guilt and shame and provide perspective.
• Tour potential facilities in person: Take time to visit assisted living communities with senior loved ones before making a decision. This can help ease concerns about quality of life, amenities and cultural accommodations.
• Use reason: When feelings of guilt are overwhelming, remembering the reasons for moving a loved one into assisted living can help. In many cases, seniors are safer and better cared for in a facility than they are at home, where caregivers have other obligations to tend to such as work and children.
• Join a support group: There are many support groups that exist in towns and cities across the United States that are specifically designed to help family caregivers manage feelings of grief, guilt and stress.

What To Look For in an Assisted Living Facility for a Chinese American Senior

 

 

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Where You Can Find Mandarin-Speaking Assisted Living Facilities

The below table gives you a preview of some of the Mandarin-speaking senior living communities in the U.S. Communities’ available services and amenities can change, so be sure to verify that a community has Mandarin-speaking staff and other necessities before making a decision.

California

Colorado

Florida

Illinois

Kansas

Minnesota

Montana

New York

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Texas

The Cost of Mandarin-Speaking Senior Living and How to Pay

The average cost of assisted living at a facility in the United States is $4,500 per month, and for facilities that offer Mandarin-speaking caregivers and other features that appeal to Chinese Americans, costs should be similar. That said, other amenities and services provided in assisted living communities, as well as the specific geographic region where the community is located, could change the monthly rate significantly.

It’s important to remember that assisted living is just one option when it comes to senior living. Home care services or adult day care may be a better fit for family caregivers who only require extra help during the day so they’re able to work or provide childcare, while nursing care may be a better option for seniors with advancing medical needs. Here are the average monthly costs for these types of care:

• Homemaker services: $4,957
• Home health care: $5,148
• Adult day health care: $1,690
• Nursing care (semi-private room): $7,908

How to Pay for Assisted Living

While the cost of assisted living can feel too high for many seniors, there are programs and benefits to help cover these costs.

• Medicaid: Medicaid is available to low-income seniors aged 65 and above. It covers various medical expenses, including primary and emergency care, nursing care and, in some states, assisted living services.
• Medicare: Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for seniors. Under some Medicare plans, assisted living services may be eligible for coverage.
• Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living and other types of senior care. These insurance plans are typically purchased before the need for care arises and used to cover long-term care costs as seniors start to require personal care or nursing care.
• Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): PACE is a combined Medicare/Medicaid benefit program that helps seniors access health care services. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions, the cost of assisted living services may be covered or subsidized.

National Resources for Chinese American Seniors

Chinese American seniors can access various national programs and organizations that provide advocacy and benefit their general health and well-being.

State Resources for Chinese American Seniors

Further resources for Chinese Americans are generally available at the state level.

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