Some thoughts on long term care-Blog#5

Being able to be involved with some of the residents’ lives at Cascade Vista has proven to be very rewarding and eye -opening for me. While some are just in transit, and will move back home once they heal, others live there permanently. I always wondered how my upbringing in Asia might affect the kind of nurse I am, and already I see how it has influenced my perspective concerning long- term care. In Asia, homes are multigenerational. In a typical household, usually three or even four generations are represented. It is not usually an option to split apart. This perception of a family unit being larger than an immediate family has stuck with me. Also, a large part of the Vietnamese culture is about giving reverence and respect to the elderly. In Vietnam, the aging process is greeted openly by most since it has its advantages. An elderly person usually has the say whenever a discussion or argument presents itself, merely because their belief is that with age, comes wisdom. Their roles increase as they age not necessarily with work status, but in family and friend circles. Their advice is considered valuable and is usually implemented. I have witnessed “ageism” upon returning to the United States, and personally do not know what to make of it. This elderly generation is certainly the “lost generation” or “forgotten” one. I have not seen a number of visitors come through at Cascade Vista in the days that we have been there, and it saddens me. I also have found it ironic that most of the staff there are of Asian descent. I would like to utilize this reverence that my childhood instilled in me for the elderly in this career. I think about how I would want my Grandmother to be treated, if she had dementia and was in a home. With the uttermost respect and dignity, as this is what she deserves. Asking the residents about their past also works to instill a sense of automatic respect in me, since most of them led fascinating lives through war, political changes, the feminist movement, etc. It is good to remember that most of these clients had a rich, full past and to remember to try to make their present life as rich and full as possible by providing excellent care and a listening ear.