Aging amongst our Immigrants: New Policy and Program Issues 8 th International Metropolis Conference Vienna, Austria Sept , 2003

Workshop Presenters Douglas Durst, Workshop Coordinator, University of Regina, Canada Karen Kraal, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Rick Wolf, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Nadia Mouddab, Utrecht, Netherlands. Kavita Ram, Extendicare, Regina, Canada. Joanne Durst, Extendicare, Regina, Canada Fatima Sadiqi, Dhar El.Mahraz, Morocco. Moha Ennaji, Dhar El.Mahraz, Morocco. Nadia Mouddab, Utrecht, Netherlands.

The Integration Experiences of Immigrant Seniors Funded by: Prairie Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Integration Metropolis Project, Canada Supported by: Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy University of Regina, Canada

Christa Freiler’s Formative Conceptual Framework Social Inclusion Model 1. Economic Issues 2. Spatial Utilization 3. Relationships and Connectedness 4. Functional Capacities and Roles 5. Empowerment and a Sense of Efficacy

Ethnic Origins in Canada

Research Objectives 1. To determine how many immigrants are using institutional care in Regina, 2. To determine how the caregiver’s perceive the situation of multiculturalism in their facility in relation to attitudes of assimilation versus integration, 3. To determine how many caregivers, nurses and paraprofessional and support staff, identify themselves as a member of a visible minority, 4. To explore issues of racism, sexism and ageism in these facilities,

Institutional Care Issues for Elderly Immigrant Residents Kavita Ram, M.S.W. Joanne Durst, M.S.W. Extendicare Homes, Regina, Canada

Research Objectives Continued 5. To identify and list special programs, services and accommodations to diverse and multicultural customs and practices – assimilation versus integration practices (eg. celebration or recognition of cultural festivals such as Hanukkah and Ramadan, and accommodating special diet and personal care customs), 6. To identify and list practical recommendations for improved service, and 7. To identify gaps in knowledge for future research.

Research Methods special care homes (approximately 45) in Regina a self-administered questionnaire on the number of immigrant and visible minorities who are residents and staff. in-depth interviews with the nursing directors, recreation coordinators and others. in-depth interviews with 10 residents of a non-dominant cultural background (“key informants”)

Loneliness and South Asian Immigrant Seniors FrequencyPercent Yes2932 No6268 Total91100

Loneliness and S.A. Senior Immigrants FrequencyPercent 1 to to to Plus414 Total29100

Reasons for Loneliness Children Widowhood Divorce Extended Family Resources - $$, Language, Esteem Mother Country

Solutions to Loneliness Senior’s Home Ethnic Senior’s Programs Community Help Language Development Volunteers More visits from Children/Grandchildren

How often do you feel lonely? Less than 10yrsMore than 10yrs Female Male Never Occasionally Frequently All the time8 03 0

South Asian Canadian Immigrants 96 South Asian Immigrants in a Prairie City 43 Males and 53 Females Ages from % married, 27% widowed 42% Sikh, 38% Hindu, 13% Christian Born: 81% India, 12% Pakistanian

Sense of Belonging: South Asian

Housing of S.A. Seniors Majority family sponsored Living alone uncommon Majority in single dwelling homes Majority “satisfied” with housing Majority feel safe walking in neighbourhood “getting a ride” most common transport