LIFESTYLE
What do the Amish base their lives around? (other than religion/Christianity)
HOME
children born at home, play/eat at home,
clothes made at home, chores at home
school/church is walking distance
retire at home, die/funeral at home
Do they believe in retirement homes?
No
They reside at home and are cared for by their family once incapable of working
2 main aspects that affect access to healthcare?
Transportation (horse and buggy), no phones in home
How do the Amish express their religious conviction for honoring their parents?
They honor their parents through homecare, as at home the elderly can stay involved in daily and social activities.
Do the Amish read newspapers?
Yes and no
They have their own, called "The Budget", written by Amish communities containing births, deaths, marriages, and ads for alternative health products
How long do they attend school?
Grade 1-8
Teachers are picked parents (don’t have certification). Focus on English, geography, penmanship, Bible lessons, English & German
Can they take birth control or divorce?
No (average family has 6 kids, intermarriage is very common)
What's one of the more important things a nurse can do when dealing with the Amish?
Respect their beliefs & feelings towards procedures/medicine
What is a obligation and privilege of belonging?
Giving care and humbling receiving is also an expectation.
What is a common food supplement they use as medicine?
garlic
What happens if you break their moral law?
Ex-communication from the church
What is the leading cause of death?
Heart disease, then accidents, then genetic disorders (average age of death is 71)
Death is seen as "God's will" and funeral arrangements are mostly handled by the family (dressing them, preparing the burial)
How should training materials be written?
Material should be written with sensitivity for the culture and specific for the culture regulations.
What is the word "care" expressed as for them?
1. Serving someone in their presence
2. Watching over and protecting someone
3. Being aware of someones needs
4. Thinking about someone
Do members of the community with disabilities work?
Yes
They are given tasks such as cleaning vegetables or cutting scraps for rugs
Can they bear arms, take oaths, hold political office, or sue/reach out to authorities?
No
Can they have health insurance?
No, they do not go to the doctor unless absolutely necessary (and the elders give permission), and pay in cash only (use church aid if expensive)
What is the biggest impact with communication between the patient and provider?
Limited formal education, always explain information directly, close ended and simple.
Why do the elderly not retire?
They fear losing their ability to contribute and fear becoming a burden.
Where do they hold church services?
In the home
Rotating between member's homes, followed by a meal prepared by the host and socializing until afternoon chores
Do they believe in using electricity?
Mostly no, not allowed in the home, can't use public power lines
Sometimes can use batteries/engines to cool milk tanks, or if ill family member needs it (with permission from the elders)
Do they use mainstream medicine?
No, they use folk medicine/home remedies
Why do the Amish tend to avoid health screenings?
They have a low sense of personal risk causing a barrier to seeking health screenings.
What does active participation in health decision making involve?
It involves seeking and sharing advice, which strengthens social bonds, that in return enforces care.
What can a nurse do to help the Amish regarding health scams?
Educate them on effective health treatments while also reinforcing their beliefs of using creams/supplements as well