Chinese perspectives

Providing culturally appropriate care to Chinese people in the United States can be greatly facilitated by understanding some of the values and practices commonly associated with the Chinese, more specifically, the Chinese elderly who may hold more traditional views. Before implementing actions based on the client's Chinese ethnicity, however, the health care provider must assess the client's individual background and degree of association with being "Chinese" because this designation covers a wide spectrum. This article provides a brief overview of some of the more commonly held Chinese values and beliefs and suggests taking several actions, as well as a few cautions, in working with Chinese clients.