Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has conducted a case study focusing on the quality of life for Hmong residents in nursing homes. This research addresses a gap in understanding the specific needs of this community within care facilities.

Mai See Thao, a medical anthropologist and professor at UW–Madison, led the study with researchers from the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa. They examined a nursing home in Minnesota to explore the experiences of Hmong residents. Their findings were published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology.

Thao noted that "the residents in this space felt that they lived like they were in captivity." The study highlights several challenges faced by Hmong residents, including language barriers, lack of meaningful activities, and inadequate access to culturally relevant food. These factors contribute to feelings of isolation and neglect.

Despite having a diverse staff, including Hmong individuals, the nursing home reported lower quality of life for Hmong residents compared to their white peers. Thao emphasized the need for both cultural and systematic approaches to improve conditions, supported by adequate funding and resources.

The research considers the historical context of Hmong people as refugees and stresses the importance of acknowledging their past experiences to prevent feelings of isolation in care settings. With Wisconsin hosting one of the largest Hmong populations in the United States, these findings have significant implications for local nursing homes.

Thao believes these insights can enhance care not only for Hmong residents but also for other underserved groups. She stated, “It is oftentimes through the eye of ‘the other’ that we’re able to see clearly what we don’t even realize.”