Navajo elderly people in a reservation nursing home: admission predictors and culture care practices.
Unlike the general U.S. population, which has more than 19,000 nursing facilities available, American Indian communities on reservations have few skilled- and intermediate-care facilities. Also, little research has been done with this population. This article describes qualitative research conducted at a Navajo Nation nursing home in Chinle, Arizona. Events and circumstances resulting in nursing home placement are discussed and illustrated with case vignettes. An overview of Navajo history and traditions provides a context to identify culturally sensitive care principles and practices. Discussion stresses the importance of acknowledging and acting on the significance of culture in all aspects of social work practice.
Mercer
S O
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School of Social Work, University of Arkansas, Little Rock 72204, USA. somercer@ualr.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001130:Arizona; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D007380:Intermediate Care Facilities; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010343:Patient Admission; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012947:Social Work