PPSEAWA International

International Bulletin - December 2001

April 2001 Sweden International Conference on the Reception and Integration of Resettled Refugees: the Needs of Elderly Refugees

Elderly refugees have special needs that distinguish them from the younger members of their communities and present them with additional challenges in the integration process. This paper explores methods and programmes that help elderly refugees to access better services through their own empowerment, thus facilitating the integration of this small but very vulnerable population.

Objective of Session:

To review the challenges faced by elderly refugees in the resettlement experience and present successful programmes that help them become better-socialized, healthier and active members of their community, thereby restoring their place of dignity and leadership.

Synopsis:

Elderly refugees in countries of resettlement represent a small but very vulnerable population. Whether resettling already as an elder or aging over time after resettlement, the elderly have needs that often pose challenges for their caregivers. As younger refugees busily pursue their goals for the future, elders often become isolated, disengaged from the community and depressed. Faced with cultural and language barriers, deteriorating health and new medical practices, inaccessible transportation systems, unsafe neighbourhoods, limited income, and intergenerational tensions, their dignified positions of leadership in the community are often diminished.

Steps have been taken in many communities to reduce these challenges and raise the quality of life for elderly refugees. "Best practices" that show positive results include programmes with the following elements: ethnically competent community needs assessment; modification of mainstream elder services for unique populations; personalized outreach into homes; care giver cooperation; affordable and accessible transportation; meaningful congregate activities such as shared meals, educational classes, and field trips. Many successful programmes incorporate elders as planners and organizers of these interventions.

Consequently, elders become more socialized, are able to access services more easily, and can be empowered to Speak for themselves.

Key Points:

  1. The needs of elderly refugees should be carefully assessed and addressed, so as to avoid serious consequences in their long-term integration.
  2. Policy decisions and programmes can positively impact the integration of elderly refugees.
  3. Strategies to mobilize financial and social resources to re-establish elders as vital and key members of the community are important tools to ensure their integration.

Session Process:

Panel Presentation - Four 15 minute presentations followed by discussion

Panelists:

Jeff Chenoweth, National Consortia Projects Division Director, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) (USA)

Rev. Joan Dehzad, Executive Director, Institute for New Americans, Minneapolis (USA) Darina Siv, Executive Director, United Cambodian Association of Minnesota (USA)

Ximena Munoz, Director of Settlement and Labour, Department of Labour for the Province of Manitoba (Canada)

Session Leader and Contact Information:

Mr. Jeff Chenoweth, CLINIC jchenoweth@cliniclegal.org

Editors note: Darina Siv is a Past-President and member of PPSEAWA-Minnesota


Last Modified: November 29, 2002