Toolbox

Toolbox for working with East Asian families

• Family cohesion is highly valued amongst most Asian immigrants. Consider family-centred care as opposed to nuclear family care
• For people from collective cultures, stress of relocation increases as people encounter individualist culture values. This may discourage people from seeking support for disability. Be cognisant of collective culture principles (see CALD 2) when working with families with these values.
• During the migration and acculturation process, some aspects of culture become heightened and entrenched; stigma is one of these. Emphasise that New Zealand has different values around disability.
• The need to 'save face' may result in mental health and intellectual impairments not being disclosed, or the extent of difficulties not being revealed. Assist people to re-frame difficulties so that they can 'save face' and receive support.
• People who are in the process of acculturation may adopt New Zealand values around disability, but maintain some of their traditional beliefs and practices as well. Some of these practices may conflict with compliance with treatment plans. Explore this possibility if there is insufficient follow-through with treatment.
• Traditional values for Chinese from countries outside mainland China (e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam etc.) may depend on how many generations removed families are from immigrating ancestors. Assess each family and person individually.