Assisted Living For Chinese American Seniors

Reviewed By: Molli Grossman, PhD

The expectation in Chinese families is that aging parents will be cared for at home. If you have older parents, or are growing older yourself, you may be thinking about how to manage providing this care. Foreign-born individuals make up 87% of the older Chinese American population, and they're likely to be less acculturated than second-generation immigrants. This often means fewer English skills and a wish to be surrounded by familiar foods and traditions. A recent study highlighted how language barriers, immigrant status and a lack of access to telehealth and Medicare lead to poorer health outcomes. This may also make them reluctant to enter into residential care like assisted living. 

However, as seniors live longer, their children struggle to raise a family, take care of older parents and maintain a career at the same time. This has led to changing opinions on senior care. A 2020 report found that 38% of Asians are now willing to use a nursing home. To address this growing need, companies are creating Asian-centered assisted living communities. With bilingual carers and culturally appropriate foods and activities, these facilities cater to the preferences of Chinese American seniors. 

This guide has information about assisted living for Chinese Americans, including costs and where to find Mandarin-speaking assisted living. It also lists state and national resources available to Asian seniors.

There are many reasons why Chinese Americans may worry about moving into an assisted living community. Common concerns include:

• Food Choices: Chinese American seniors generally prefer Eastern-style diets and may eat less if Western foods are the only menu options. Another dietary concern is the high level of lactose intolerance among the Chinese population. 
• Language Barriers: If English isn’t a person’s first language, it can be hard to communicate their wants and needs with caregivers. Language barriers with other residents can also add to feelings of isolation. 
• Traditional Medicine: It’s been found that over 68% of Chinese American people regularly use some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Seniors may be concerned that they won’t be able to continue using these forms of medicine in an assisted living environment.
• Financial Costs: Immigrants who were older than age 50 when they arrived in America may not have significant retirement savings, making assisted living a greater financial burden. 
• Cultural Stigma: The Confucian value of filial piety, or the need to care for aging parents, means that many Chinese American seniors expect their children to care for them. This can lead to a reluctance to go to senior living.
• Religion: Chinese Americans who have Buddhist, Taoist or Confucian beliefs may find it hard to practice their faith in a community that doesn’t understand these beliefs. It can also be isolating if you’re the only person in a community with a particular religion. 

Many people feel guilty about moving a loved one to an assisted living community. This feeling can be amplified in cultures where it’s expected that children will provide care for older parents. Overcoming cultural guilt is important to ensure your relationship with your parent continues to be healthy. Below are some tips for managing a transition to assisted living:

• Acknowledge that modern life is different: In the past, women were less likely to work outside the home, people didn’t live as long and families were larger. Life has changed since then, and senior caregiving must change as well.
• Remember you’re giving them the care they need: As people live longer, they’re more likely to experience greater health problems. Seniors can get the care they require in an assisted living facility. 
• Create a smooth transition: Find a facility that can accommodate your parent’s needs and wishes, personalize their room and make the transition as stress-free as possible.
• Visit regularly: Seeing your loved one on a regular basis will help them settle into their new home and understand that you haven’t abandoned them.
• Be kind to yourself: Your feelings of guilt for moving a parent into an assisted living community are normal. Acknowledge that, then focus on the positive: you’re making a decision that’s right for both you and your loved one.

The list below can help you find Mandarin-speaking senior living facilities in your area. The services in these communities can change, so it’s important to check that they still have Mandarin-speaking staff before making a final decision about where to settle

The average cost of assisted living in the United States is $4,500 per month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, and having Mandarin-speaking staff on hand is unlikely to impact this. Assisted living is less expensive than most other options, including in-home and nursing home care. 

However, prices can vary greatly depending on where you live. The most expensive averages are in Alaska and Rhode Island, with costs of $6,830 and $6,826, respectively. At the other end of the range is Missouri, where assisted living costs just $3,000 per month. These are the average prices in the five states with the highest Asian American populations:

• California: $5,250
• New York: $4,580
• Texas: $3,998
• New Jersey: $6,495
• Illinois: $4,488

There are many options available to help you pay for assisted living. These can help stretch your budget and get the care you or your loved one needs.

• Long-term Care Insurance: If you purchased long-term care insurance when younger, it’s likely that it covers assisted living. It can usually be accessed when you need assistance with at least two activities of daily living. 
• Life Insurance: You can surrender a life insurance policy to the company for its cash value and use this to pay for assisted living. Alternatively, policies can be sold to a third party, with the proceeds used for senior care. 
• Home Equity: Seniors who own a home can use the property’s equity to pay for care. Options include renting, selling or taking on a reverse mortgage.
• Veterans Benefits: Seniors who served in the U.S. military may be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance benefits, which can help pay for care services.
• Medicare: Although Medicare doesn’t cover personal care or room and board in an assisted living facility, any medical services you receive are usually covered.
• Medicaid: Many states have Medicaid waiver programs that help fund assisted living care for low-income seniors.  You can find out about eligibility and assistance available by contacting your local Medicaid office.
• State Programs: A number of states have non-Medicaid programs that help fund assisted living through state-owned facilities, benefit supplements or cash assistance. Your local Area Agency on Aging can provide information about the assistance available and eligibility requirements.
• Social Security: Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may be eligible to receive an Optional State Supplement (OSS). These aren’t available in every state, but where provided, they can often be used for assisted living.

Below is a list of state resources for Chinese American seniors. Some states don’t have resources specifically aimed at older Asian Americans, so we’ve listed state senior resources. Many cities also have Chinese cultural groups that offer seniors opportunities to connect with the community.