Do you think grouping nursing home or hospital patients by ethnicity is a good idea?
Mid America Convalescent Center is one of a growing number of Chicago-area nursing homes that assemble residents by ethnicity. Asians live on one floor, Hispanics are on another. Continuing traditions
Each group has its traditional food and activities, and a staff that speaks its language. Within a few miles are other facilities doing the same for Poles, Russians, Indians and Koreans.
There have long been nursing homes that cater to certain nationalities and religions, or become popular with different ethnic groups. But in Chicago, with the nation`s third-largest number of foreign-born residents, that sort of specialization is becoming increasingly common and formalized, said Kevin Kavanaugh, spokesman for the Illinois Council on Long Term Care...
maybe some people would be more comfortable being with someone they share similair qualities with, but thats a dumb idea. for sure it ould result in certain groups being neglected. Also it doesnt matter what ethnicity you are to get along with people
I thought not, until I read the story. I think there should be options, and I understand old people aren't looking for the same kind of get-to-know-a-really-different-person experience that college freshmen are going for.
It seems like a decent idea. Most older people that I know grew up in ethnic neighborhoods. If a nursing home can successfully replicate that neighborhood atmosphere and provide food and activities that are familiar to the people it would make life a bit better for those folks.
I think that's an interesting idea! Perhaps they could relate with thier fellow residents and make friends better. It would make for a more comfortable environment.
Heraldtal doesn't understand that "segregation" wasn't outlawed ever, except the mandatory, state-sponsored variety. (how affirmative action fell into vogue is beyond me, but that's a different post) In a voluntary environment, such as care for senior citizens, this kind of "segregation" is not only appropriate, but it can be a very good idea if that's what the person wants. My granny's first language was Polish, I'm sure she would have liked to have been in a home with people from her native land.
It should definitely be an option. What UL said in his post is true; and having worked in a nursing home, I observed this first hand. When elderly people have something in common with their fellow residents, they are not as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
When you are that age, Heraldtal, i'd be curious to see if you'd prefer a roomate with similar interests & background or one that can't speak your language, leaving you in silence all day.
I didn't vote on this one. Yes, because it does provide that familiarity to older folks no longer living at home. But on the other hand, it is a seperation & even if you're in a nursing home doesn't mean you have to stop learning about new peoples & new cultures. It may even be beneficial to keep up that brain activity.
For the reason "Continuing traditions Each group has its traditional food and activities, and a staff that speaks its language." they listed and how old they are, and arent apt to adjusting well I think its a neat idea.
I think it's an interesting idea and is a neat option. Personally, I think I'd like to meet a lot of different people throughout my life, but I know my great-grandmother was quite depressed in her nursing home because she didn't really have anyone to relate to and that might have been a helpful option for her before she died.
??? If they have a preference, then I guess yeah... but for everyone, no. Also if they want to have particular activities and foods that appeal to an ethnic group, by all means! But by rooming shouldn't really be necessary.
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