Navajo Elderly People in a Reservation Nursing Home: Admission Predictors and Culture Care Practices

Unlike the general U.S. population, which has more than 19,000 nursing facilities available, American Indian communities on reservations have few skilled- and intermediate-care facilities. Also, little research has been done with this population. This article describes qualitative research conducted at a Navajo Nation nursing home in Chinle, Arizona. Events and circumstances resulting in nursing home placement are discussed and illustrated with case vignettes. An overview of Navajo history and traditions provides a context to identify culturally sensitive care principles and practices. Discussion stresses the importance of acknowledging and acting on the significance of culture in all aspects of social work practice.