CALD communities and elder abuse

The traditional CALD family is characterised by extended family systems with an emphasis on the interdependence of family members, continuity between generations and familial duty. Older people in traditional ‘age-honouring’ cultures hold a position of prestige within the family, and obligation to older members is emphasised.

However, it is important to acknowledge that generalisations across cultures are risky and issues for ethnic communities are complex. Increased numbers of nuclear families and higher participation by women in the workforce can compromise traditional care giving practices and may contribute to intergenerational conflict.

Elder abuse and neglect: Chinese, Korean and Indian perspectives

New Zealand research highlights some of the forms of elder abuse and neglect among CALD older people in our population (Park & Kim, 2013; Peri et al., 2008). The common forms of abuse identified were financial abuse, neglect, abusive and neglectful role modelling by adults and the isolation of the older people. A common theme was the exploitation of older people to help with domestic duties and the care of children, financial abuse, and abuse associated with inappropriate living arrangements (Park & Kim, 2013; Peri et al., 2008).The research also highlighted the following (Peri et al., 2008).

• Intergenerational relationships between older migrants and younger family members became complex and difficult in transnational families.
• In Chinese communities, the breakdown of the reciprocal roles of older people and the younger generations was reported. Older Chinese people were said to have a dream of following and supporting their child, of selling everything in China and coming to New Zealand to look after their grandchildren. But having done so they often had no one to talk to and no control over their finances.  Adult children treated the older persons money as  family money. Son’s in particular considered it their right to use their mother’s money. Mothers sometimes were left to live alone in poor housing, or in residential care, if businesses failed and homes were lost.
• The Indian community preferred the term ‘neglect’ rather than ‘abuse’, and identified the common problems of exclusion of older people, disrespect and isolation, which they attributed to financial stress and a lack of time.
• The costs of family members’ addiction to gambling and smoking were specifically mentioned, with older people pressured to fund these activities; for example, by threats of loss of family contact if they did not comply.
• There is stigma attached to placing an older person in residential care but nevertheless older Chinese and Indian people are living in these facilities. They may be subject to an increased risk of isolation.
• A lack of social and community networks make older people more vulnerable. This  is a factor in the continuing abuse, as under these circumstances abuse is more easily hidden and the older person does not have the knowledge, language or means to seek support.
• Strong cultural norms requiring family members to support and protect each other actually appeared to increase abuse when it did occur, because of the fear of community disapproval and the reluctance of older people to disclose abuse and seek help, thus stigmatising the family.

Please listen to the following audios which highlight how elder neglect and abuse can manifest in the flowing cultures: