The family is the center of all  things, and all actions are dedicated to ensuring its health and dignity.

Traditional Asian families are bound together by a shared understanding about family hierarchy, which dictates roles and responsibilities.

The family is the center of all things, and all actions are dedicated to ensuring its health and dignity.

EAST MEETS WEST FOR IMMIGRANTS AT THE END-OF-LIFE 

Mr. Choi was a 79-year-old Korean male with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. As dictated by tradition, he was living with his oldest son’s family. Mr. Choi began losing weight rapidly and experiencing sudden outbursts.

With his son and daughter-in-law working 12-hour days, Mr. Choi was left in the care of his teenage grandchildren.

"This became an impossible situation. It was hard on our family and on him," says his son. Moreover, the arrangement was in direct conflict with the cultural values that guide the life and relationships of the Choi family.

Tension developed between the generations. The grandchildren insisted that Mr. Choi be placed in a nursing home.

But his son was afraid to raise the issue with his father, and felt guilty and ashamed. In short, he felt he was not able to meet the expectations of his role as father and son in a Korean family.

The situation remains a source of conflict for the family. "I wish I had known how to raise the conversation sooner," says the younger Mr. Choi.