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Russian CULTURE PROFILE

Published 2006 by: Diversicare PO Box 5199 End, Queensland, 4101 Phone: (07) 3846 1099

Russian Culture Profile

Thanks is given to the following people: Margaret Hess, Director, Diversicare Elizabeth Zajac, Project Officer, PICAC Serge Voloschenko, Chairman, Pine Lodge Nadia Hope, Manager, Pine Lodge Branka Voyka, Recreation Officer, Pine Lodge

… and to all those persons who have provided comment about this directory.

Editor: Jennifer Leigh (J Leigh & Associates)

Disclaimers This directory is a synthesis of information from a range of sources believed to be reliable. Diversicare gives no warranty that the said base sources are correct, and accepts no responsibility for any resultant errors contained herein or for decision and actions taken as a result and any damage.

Please note there may be costs associated with some of the resources and services listed in this profile. INTRODUCTION 4

BACKGROUND 5 Migration experience 5 Australian statistics 6 Customs in everyday life 6 Cultural 8

FAMILY 8 Family structure 8 Attitudes to residential care 8

PERSONAL HYGIENE 9 Bathing 9 9 Grooming 9

PENSIONS 10

LEISURE AND RECREATION 10 Daily Routine 11 Social groups 11 11 Movies 11 12 Newspapers 12 Books 13 Music 13

RELIGION 14 Profile 14 Important days 15

FOOD AND DIET 17 Meals 17 Food sources 18

HEALTH 19 Trauma situations 19 Perception of health professionals 19 Attitudes to illness and pain 19

DEATH AND DYING 20 Palliative care 20 Death & dying 20

LANGUAGE 21

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 23

CORRECTION / ADDITION FORM 25 INTRODUCTION

This profile of the Russian cultural • The organisation’s compliance with the community is one of the many projects Residential Care Standards and National undertaken by the Queensland Partners in Aged Care Standards as they pertain to Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC). the issue of cultural and linguistic needs.

The Queensland PICAC Project aims to The profile provides useful information facilitate the development of partnerships about a range of topics, resources between ethnic community groups and including books, articles, audio-video aids, residential aged care providers to services, and so on. implement “best practice” strategies of care for older people from diverse This symbol is used to indicate a “tip”, backgrounds. The project is about ensuring which YOU, as the caregiver of a the needs of older people from a Russian person who was born within the cultural background are met. Russian , may find useful in your day-to-day support of that Funded by the Department person. of Health & Ageing, the project in Queensland is managed by Diversicare This guide is not intended to replace one under the auspice of the Ethnic of this culture with another; Communities Council of Qld. instead it is intended to provide some insights into the culture. Nor does it Population trends within are diminish the importance of you increasingly characterised by a diversity of establishing the individual cultural needs people, languages and culture. Coupled of each person as part of the care with this trend is an ageing population, planning process. also with a rich diversity of languages and cultures. In an effort to maintain the accuracy of this profile and improve its contents, for It’s not surprising then, that residential all stakeholders, we encourage readers to aged care service providers are faced with complete the feedback form on the last increasing demands for culturally page to inform us of any inaccuracies or responsive facilities and care. other resources available. It is considered that this feedback will assist us maintain a This profile aims to assist by enhancing: user relevant and quality resource. • staff knowledge of the cultural and linguistically diverse needs of persons Yours Sincerely from a Russian background. It also seeks to facilitate the professional competence Margaret Hess Elizabeth Zajac and development of staff in the Director PICAC Project Officer provision of culturally inclusive care; and 4 BACKGROUND

The Russian Federation stretching over a The Australian Census of 1901 recorded vast amount of and is the 3,358 -born persons living in largest in the and has the Australia. Following the 1905 uprising a world’s eighth largest population. Russia wave of emigration of dissidents came to shares land borders with , , Australia via England and mainly settled in , , , , , Melbourne or Sydney. A part of this , , , , group were Russian . , , and . Another wave of refugees, opponents of Formerly the Union of Socialist the Bolshevik Revolution, came to Australia (USSR), Russia is now an after 1917. These groups of emigrants were independent country since the Union’s called ‘White ’ (not to be confused in 1991. with the people from Belarus who are also known as ‘White Russia’). Small numbers Migration experience of ‘White Russian’ refugees continued to Russia has links with Australia since the arrive in Australia from China right to 18th Century when Russian navigators early 1970s. helped the British to chart the coast of Australia.

5 From the 1970s mainly Russian-speaking of The above data means the person you Jewish background arrived in Australia. are caring for could have been well- Most being young professionals between educated and worked in a skilled job the ages of 20 and 40s, coming via other or a person with a limited education such as , or . and not speak English at all. Since the breakdown of the another wave of Russian migrants, mostly Customs in everyday life highly educated professionals and a Greetings mixture of Russian, Orthodox, Jewish and The typical greeting is a firm, handshake Muslim have arrived. while maintaining direct eye contact whilst giving the appropriate greeting for the Australian statistics time of day (“Dobroe utro” – Good At the 2001 Census, 15 030 Russian morning; “Dobriy den” – Good afternoon or Federation-born persons settled in all “Dobriy vecher” – Good evening). It is very Australian States, with Queensland being important to remember when shaking the third largest State behind Victoria and hands with someone, to be sure to take off NSW. Of the total Russia-born population your gloves, as it is considered rude not to. in Australia: • 29.9% are aged over 65 years; Russians are a very demonstrative culture, • 61.6% have either a trade or tertiary and public physical contact is common (for qualification; example, hugs, backslapping, kisses on the • 61.5% were employed in a skilled cheeks and other expansive gestures) occupation, 23.5% in Semi-Skilled; among friends. Russians also tend to stand • Females comprised 59.9% and males close to the other person when talking. 40.1%; • Their ancestry includes Russian (70.9%), Referring to others Jewish (7.2%) and Jewish-Russian (2.2%). Russian names are comprised of: (Source: Russian Community Information Summary, • First name, which is the person’s given DIMIA, 2003) name. • Middle name, which is a patronymic or a Queensland has 8.5% (1,280 persons) of version of the father’s first name (formed this total population and they have settled by adding ‘vich’ or ‘ovich’ – for a male or across Queensland. ‘ovna’ for a female). For example: the son of Ivan would have a patronymic of Ivanovich while the daughter’s patronymic would be Ivanovna. • Last name, which is the family or surname.

6 In formal situations, people use all three Attire names, whilst friends and close acquain- Women usually wear a dark coloured coat, tances may refer to each other by their leather or wool. Men typically wear thick- first name and patronymic. Close friends soled loafers, jeans, sneakers or and family members call each other by sweatshirts. Business dress is formal and their first name only. conservative. Women should wear subdued business suits with skirts that cover the Gestures knees. Men should wear business suits. Putting your thumb through your index Shoes should be highly polished. and middle fingers or making the “OK” sign is considered a very rude gesture in Everyone wears a hat, usually furry ones Russia. that are typical Russian attire, or wool or mohair berets. If the person spits three times over his/her left shoulder it is to ward off bad luck or Taboos to express the hope for continued good For religious reasons, ‘Friday’ and ‘thirteen’ fortune (similar meaning to ‘knock on are the most pervasive and powerful wood’). taboos in Russian culture. Russian people never hold celebrations on Fridays or on A gesture linked to the Russian Orthodox the thirteenth day in a month. religion is to cross themselves with the index and middle finger of the right hand Russians never send their friends yellow resting on the thumb. The gesture begins gifts, because doing such implies disloyalty. by touching the forehead, the chest just They prefer gifts in blue and think of blue below the neck, then the right shoulder as a symbol of friendship. and, lastly, shoulder. This gesture is used several times throughout the day, The above customs are from a time in when leaving ones home, at the end of a which the older lived and silent prayer, or simply at the onset of were raised. They may not be evident ones workday - not just in . It’s use in the younger , nor do is also most prevalent among elderly they necessarily apply to every women. Russia-born aged person. It is important YOU check on whether Entering a room adherence to these, or other customs It is courteous to open the door and let unique to their of origin, is to women or the host to enter the room first. be used with that Russia-born person. It is also polite for people to remove their shoes upon entering a home, often being given a pair of slippers (tapki) to help keep the place clean.

7 Cultural stereotypes FAMILY The Russian is associated with high culture in terms of theatre, , literature, art, concerts and opera. Family structure Russians considers themselves a well- A keyword in Russian family life is educated nation. ‘dependence’. Russians are particularly attached to their family members because Whilst identifying as Russian, each person it is typical for many Russians to live in also has a strong sense of regional cultural small in large blocks, with 2-3 identity. The region in which the person generations living together. It is normal for lived will impact on the person’s prefer- grown single children to live with their ences related to such things as festivals, parents, as well as married children with food, drink, , cultural personality, spouses who will stay with one of the music and language dialect etc. parents.

Russia has had a long history of totalitari- Russians often marry at a young age - anism, which has resulted in a rather 18-22 years. Being single in Russia is not fatalistic approach to living. This can also positive. An unmarried woman has low explain in part why many older Russians status, regardless of occupation or income are generally quiet, pessimistic and ’t level. have much faith in a better life in the . The male is generally the head of the family with both parents working. Caring It should be remembered this is just for children and all housework is a one view and does not apply to every women’s responsibility. Elderly persons are Russia-born person. This reality means encouraged to stay with their families for YOU should establish each Russia - as long as possible, often because the born person’s preferences. income of pensioners is very low.

Having established this person’s prefer- Attitudes to residential care ences be careful not to replace one cultural Residential care is seen by elderly Russian stereotype with another related to what people as the last option and other in- should be considered stereo-typically home support programs will be accessed to ‘Russian’. prolong independence for as long as possible. For more information “The Russian-born community”, Community Leaving home and moving into any other Information Summary, Department of communal arrangement is the equivalent and Multicultural and to losing their independence. Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA), 2006. Available as a PDF document from the following web : http://www.immi.gov.au/statistics/stat_info 8 /comm_summ/summary.htm Where residential placement happens, this PERSONAL HYGIENE is often due to the loss of family members or family networks, rather than as a preference of the person. The routines and preferences surrounding (Source: www.dw-world.de/select_html/0,,,00.html) the following personal hygiene activities greatly impact on the person’s sense of If you need help to provide culturally self, pride, dignity and confidence. appropriate care, the assistance of the PICAC Project Officer is available free Bathing of charge to your agency or the Some Russia-born persons want a shower resident. This service is restricted to weekly, whereas others can prefer a the greater metropolitan Brisbane and shower daily. No one will accept a shower Townsville. For more information on on Sundays. PICAC contact Diversicare on (07) 3846 1099. Dress Older people prefer not to wear bright colours and prefer clothes that are warm and will not wear trousers outside of the home. An older woman doesn’t like to expose any parts of her body. There are cultural norms surrounding standard of dress whereby sloppy or overly casual dress in public may be seen as inappro- priate. Clothing also needs to be in good repair and ironed.

What is considered ‘appropriate’ standard of dress is individual and will be influenced by the region in which they lived.

Grooming Men and women take care of themselves and depending where they lived ( or town), what education level they have and where they worked, he/she may wear makeup, , nail polish or perfume etc.

It is important each person’s prefer- ences in their dress, bathing, grooming etc are established as part of their care plan. 9 LEISURE AND RECREATION People who lived and paid taxes in other countries may be eligible for a partial Russia is a large and extremely culturally payment from that country. To diverse country, with dozens of ethnic check eligibility for any payment/pension groups, each with their own forms of folk from Russia the person should contact the music, languages and religions. Russian Embassy and check what documents to send etc. As a well-educated nation, Russians like to read and are fond of live opera, musical, If you receive any foreign pension, ballet and drama performances. Centrelink must be informed and your Australian supplememt will be reduced Intellectually, Russians are interesting according to the increased amount from people to talk to and enjoy ‘deep subjects’ Russia. Failure to notify Centrelink can given Philosophy is a mandatory subject of result in a debt and fine being imposed. all university study. This may explain why Russians like to talk about their different Russian Embassy in Canberra attitude towards material values, the 78 Canberra Avenue, Griffith ‘specifics of ’, and repeat the ACT 2603 famous phrase of a Russian poet: “You can Ph (02) 6295 9474 understand Russia by your mind”. Fax (02) 6295 1847 E-mail: Russian people are interested in sports, [email protected] especially soccer, , , basketball and formula-one racing. They prefer to play Consulate-General of the Russian challenging card games and . Older Federation in Sydney women often like to make preserves, jams, 7-9 Fullerton Street, Woollahra compotes, cakes or pastries. NSW 2025 Ph (02) 9326 1188 or 9326 1866 Russians are a social culture, enjoying Fax (02) 9327 5065 drinks with colleagues and friends plus E-mail: [email protected] sing-songs. People of all ages like talking to Web: each other, discussing different topics. www.sydneyrussianconsulate.com

The above information can assist in For more information developing diversional therapy Check your local telephone directory for activities eg cooking cakes or your local Centrelink office. pastries, craft work and/or card, chess or board games. However, YOU need to check with each individual his or her preferences in regard to the above. 10 Daily Routine St Nicholas Cathedral-Russian Russian people like a routine (eg when Orthodox Church he/she rises or retires, bathes, when to 114 Woodlands Drive have meals or going walking). Generally Rochedale South Q 4123 they have a structured pattern to the day Ph (07) 3341 8881 and like sticking to these times. Television You need to establish with each The SBS television network is available in individual his/her preferences related major in Queensland. SBS provides to his/her daily routine and timings. Russian-speaking movies or serials. SBS television programming can be Social groups downloaded from their website by going to A diverse range of Russian social groups the following address: meet. The Russian clubs in Brisbane and www.sbs.com.au/whatson/index.php3 Gladstone provide community functions, then choose what you are interested in arts, music, information/education. Contact from the listed menu. details are: In greater metropolitan Brisbane, Briz 31 Queensland Russian Community also has programs about different cultures, Centre download their program guide from: 19 Lotus Street, Buranda Q 4102 http://briz31.tv/news.html Ph (07) 3391 3432 Check your TV program guide or the Russian Club (Brisbane Inc) website for local viewing time as they 15 Trafalgar Street may change in rural areas or across Woolloongabba Q 4102 time zones. Ph (07) 3892 2929 Movies Russian Benevolent Assn Home You can hire movies from video libraries – for the Aged it is important you check on the back of 18 Balham Street, Rocklea Q 4106 the DVD for the list of languages in which Ph (07) 3277 5841 it is available.

Russian Ethnic Gladstone Group It is also possible to purchase Russian- PO Box 16, Yarwun Q 4694 language movies via the by doing Ph (07) 4973 6605 a search, eg: http://multilingualbooks.com/ foreignvids-russian.html Russian-Australia Link 72 Osborne Road, Mitchelton Q 4053 Ph (07) 3354 4179

11 You can also search the Brisbane Newspapers Council library catalogue via its language The region in which the person lived in collection by going to the following Russia can affect his/her preferred website and choosing the preferred newspaper. There are 3 ways to access language which will then take you to a Russian-language newspapers: screen where you choose your category of interest (eg movies, books, music, DVDs): 1) Go to the following web address www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi/ http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/ viewer.aspx Radio and access a copy of the following Broadcasting in occurs newspapers: on SBS on Friday 5pm – 6pm. • (Argumenty i Facty) • Moskovsky Komsomolets SBS radio programming (SBS radio 2 97.7 • (Kommersant) or SBS Radio 1 1107) can be downloaded • The Times from their website by going to the • (Komsomolskaya following address: ) www.sbs.com.au/radio/ • Izvestija then choose “radio schedule” on the left • The Mockow News side of the screen. • • Moscovskie Novosti In greater metropolitan Brisbane, it is also • possible to tune into 4EB (Fm 98.1) and their program guide can be downloaded 2) The following web address gives you from their website at the following access to ALL newspapers produced address: nationally or in the towns listed eg. http://www.4eb.org.au/progguide.htm choosing Moscow leads to a listing of 5 newspapers from which to choose to The Russian international broadcaster can download: also be listened through ‘Deutsche Welle’ http://www.mediatico.com/en/newspapers/ over the web by logging onto the following europe/russia website and choosing preferred language: www.dw-world.de/ 3) You can search on the web using the name of the publication. For example Check your radio program guide or ‘Izvestija’ and you can get the free access the website for local listening times to this paper: as they may change in rural areas or http://www.russia.com/newspapers/ across time zones. If the person can’t use a computer, don’t forget you can access the internet and load these newspapers and print all or some pages which can then be given to the person to 12 read at their leisure. Books Music Regardless of your location in Queensland Music is very important to Russia-born it is possible to arrange to have any person regardless of gender. It is a strong Russian-language books sent to your local cultural expression of who that person is library for a small fee. and the region he/she lived in.

You can search the Brisbane City Council The key thing to remember with music is a library catalogue via its language collection likely personal preference for music of the by going to the following website and era in which they were teenagers or in choosing the preferred language which will their twenties. It is likely that older then take you to a screen where you persons will prefer traditional Russian choose your category of interest (eg music. movies, books, music, DVDs): www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/books You can purchase from the larger music Or: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au stores on their websites eg Sanity’s web address allows you to search for Russian- Every council library in Queensland language music and CDs. Their web borrows from the Qld State Library. address is: http://www.sanity.com.au The State Library itself has Russian- language resources (books, videos, You can search the Brisbane City Council CDs) that your local library can library catalogue via its language collection arrange to borrow for a small fee. by going to the following website and You can do a search of the State choosing the preferred language which will Library resources (which will list the then take you to a screen where you resource, type of resource and call choose your category of internet (eg number) by going to the following movies, books, music, DVDs): web address: www.brisbane.qld.gov.uthbin http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/find/cat Please note, a fee may apply for organising inter-library loans. Talking books in Russian-language can be difficult to obtain from libraries. However, Again establish each individual’s there are some in Pine Lodge in Brisbane preferences and check whether family which you can negotiate access to by members can assist in finding contacting the Manager - (07) 3277 5841. Russian language books, videos, DVDs, music etc. ONLY for those persons who are visually impaired and a member of the Qld Blind For more information Foundation, it is possible to borrow from Refer to Diversicare’s Multicultural its talking book library which has only 2 Resource Directory (2004) for more detailed Russian-language taped books. You will information about sources and other need to complete an application form, and options. if approved, borrowing rights then apply. Contact 1300 654 656 to obtain a referral form. 13 RELIGION

Profile Other days celebrated by Russian people The majority of Russian people belong to a are: church, even if they may in practice not be • or - week (before regular attendees. Of the total Russia-born ’s Lent) population in Australia the major religions • May 1st – Labour Day are: • May 2nd – Spring Day Holiday • Russian Orthodox (27.2%) • May 9th – • Jewish (19.5%) • 12th – • Western Catholic (5.6%) • 22nd – Day of the Russian • 19.3% stated ‘No religion’ Federation State (The Russian Community Information Summary, • November 7th – Accord and DIMIA 2003.) Reconciliation Day • December 12th – Constitution Day Remember there can be a difference between nominating a particular religion The following listing is not intended to practicing that religion in ones’ to be exhaustive; rather it lists the everyday life (or whether all or some major shared ‘special days’. You rituals/practices within that religion are should check with the person or observed). his/her family if there are other special days, which is important to Equally, just because a person when young that person. did not practice or observe their religion doesn’t mean as the person ages he/she might now wish to practice.

YOU need to establish each person’s religious preferences and link him/her into a local minister of that religion. For more information related to visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion- in Russia

14 Important Days There are a variety of special events at State, city and local level.

Festivity Month / Date Customary practices

Easter Easter is celebrated on Lent () - 40 days before Easter. Fasting and different days every year preparation for Easter. – check which days Orthodox Church will celebrate Easter.

The last Sunday before The last week of the Fast is called Holy Week. Willow Easter is called Palm branches (Verba) are put by until the Willow Sunday. Sunday.

Easter celebration People cook a wide variety of Easter cakes (, Pasha), painting eggs. Samples of the food prepared are taken to the church to be blessed. Russian Easter eggs are of two different types: ‘krashenki’ – brown colour achieved by boiling the eggs with onion skins; and ‘pysanki’ which are painted. People give Easter eggs with good wishes. (Popular play/game: the Easter eggs. One persons’ egg is hit by eggs of another person. Person whose egg is not broken is the winner.)

Good Friday (Velikaya Deep and fasting. Piatniza)

Easter Sunday This day is considered the best for wedding ceremonies. People living in the country celebrate the first green leaves on the trees by dancing and singing songs. Krestny Khod – people attending mass sharing joy with each other.

Red Hill – the first Also popular for wedding ceremonies. Sunday after Easter. (Krasnaja Gorka)

Name Day Every day is connected People who share the same name receive special gifts, “Dien with different . and good wishes from family members and Angela” friends. Birthdays are not popular to celebrate.

15 Festivity Month / Date Customary practices

Advent Commences 4 Preparation for Christmas. Some people fast and go Sundays before to church. Christmas

Christmas Christmas Eve – Christmas Eve supper is meatless but festive. A special Russian Orthodox porridge called kutya is served. It is made of 6th or other grains and and poppy seeds. A ceremony involving blessing the home is also (Some people also frequently observed. celebrate 31st Before supper people attend church for a special December) mass. After Christmas Eve services people carry candles or torches and around the church. After the church service people are involved in house- to-house carolling - a ritual known as kolyadki.

Christmas Day Christmas Day – Families spend the day together, some attending the 7th January church and have special dinner. Everyone can eat anything and everything. () leaves gifts under the .

New Year’s Eve 31st December ’s balls, fireworks, people kiss, hug and wish Happy New Year to relatives and friends. After that everyone exchanges gifts.

New Year Russian Orthodox – Some people celebrate the New Year on 1st of January. 13th January New Year remains the most important holiday for 1st January most Russians.

16 FOOD AND DIET

The essential components of Russian stock. After soup is the main course eg. cuisine are those foods that provide the fish or . If a meat stew is eaten most carbohydrates and fat rather than they tend to have been flavoured using proteins eg. bread, potatoes, meat, eggs wild , pickled or and . Fresh fruits and vegetables are special cream. The main course is served rarely used in meals. with potatoes, , cereal, salted- and always served with bread. Meals Breakfast Usually this is a quick meal. Lunch is finished with either coffee, tea, Adults are likely to have an compot (stewed fruit) or fruit juice. with , ham or salami with a cup of tea. Children tend to eat a cooked meal Afternoon tea Desserts or pastries are consisting of a boiled egg, omelette or very popular and particularly enjoyed at (any cooked grain or cereal served this time. Tea or follows. with milk, and butter). Dinner (or supper) This meal is eaten Lunch This is the main meal of the day with the family around the table. Soup can and is eaten between 1pm and 3pm. Lunch be served again and the main course might starts with a small entrée (zakooska) eg. be vegetables like cakes with salted-herring or etc. This is followed mushroom sauce or cottage cheese. by soup often made from a homemade

Bread Vegetables Meat / Fish Fruit Drinks

dark, heavy cottage beetroot, chicken, fresh fresh fruits tea, coffee, bread, cheese and cabbage, , water fish, not very tea with toast any other beans , popular – lemon kind of potatoes, steak, maybe only yellow cucumbers, frankfurter- apples and beer, wine, cheeses are tomatoes, type berries popular onion and sausages and garlic , stewed or meat cooked fruits Honey is very (compots) popular are popular

17 It is important to establish each Continental Food person’s food preferences, cooking Quality Greek & European Products style (eg fried versus poached), Shop 1/75-77 Russell St quantity and timing of meals and West End Qld 4101 recorded as part of their care plan. Ph (07) 3844 5059

Food sources Franz Continental Smallgoods More and more of the larger food stores 15 Industrial Avenue eg Woolworths, Coles stock Russian (or Caloundra Qld 4551 European) foods, and you should check Ph (07) 5493 9366 what is available at these types of stores in the first instance.

Below is the list of known suppliers of food in South-East Qld. often used by Russian people. In the marked places (*) you can also , jams, breads, soups, macaronies sweets etc.

German Butcher Heinz 611 Stanley Street Woolloongabba Qld 4102 Ph (07) 3391 3530

Rene’s Smallgoods 41 Tubbs Street Clontarf Qld 4019 Ph (07) 3283 7711

*Adam’s Continental Smallgoods 206 Street Carole Park Qld 4300 Ph (07) 3271 3044

*Swiss Gourmet Deli 181 Boundary Street West End Qld 4101 Ph (07) 3844 2937

18 HEALTH

Trauma situations Complementary medicine is also seen to World War II is a subject that needs to be have an integral role in the health of handled with tact. It should not be Russia-born persons, often alongside forgotten that Russia-born aged persons western medicine. It is not uncommon for have lived through a very traumatic time the person to seek medical advice and arising from not just the war experience medication and then go seek help from a but also the years post-war when times health practitioner eg. Herbalist, were very tough. It is likely that many naturopaths, homeopath or acupuncture families were split up and dislocated to and undertake a remedial exercise areas thought safer than large towns. program.

Perception of health It should be noted that whilst respectful of professionals their professional status, the person will Russian people believe in the unlimited question the doctor freely eg asking about power of drugs and other forms of drug side effects, the implication of the therapy. The high status of the patient illness on their particular lifestyle etc. influences not only the patient-family relationship, but also the patient/doctor This may mean YOU shouldn’t relationship and hospital care. perceive a Russian person who questions a doctor or health profes- The patient expects therefore to be sional as being difficult. Nor should listened to, not only when he/she discloses you consider the person as ‘being the symptoms, but also when he/she states difficult’ should he/she want a second own ideas about the nature of his/her opinion or to access complementary complaints, its origins and treatments. medicines of some type. Russian persons want to know all about their disease/illness, what caused it, how Attitudes to illness and pain long it is going to last, what is to be the Russian persons are often stoic about pain outcome – and they also expect all this and loath seeing a doctor too quickly - information will be provided in way they trying to cope with it for as long as are able to understand. They often see food possible mostly by ignoring it. The person and stress as frequent causes of any generally won’t talk about it unless a close illness. friend or family member mentions any changes they have noticed.

Generally Russians have a strong tendency for self-diagnosis, using medical books and natural treatments (herbs etc.).

19 Going to health professionals is usual and DEATH AND DYING Russia-born persons are used to the medical hierarchy (i.e. General practi- tioners for overall health with referral to Palliative Care Specialist as needed for more in-depth The concept of a hospice and palliative treatment). Russia’s system is care was not known in Russia. Care of the characterised by large outpatient facilities terminally ill has been a family responsi- called “polyclinics”, where general bility, and in some cases there can be some physicians (called a therapist) and various opposition to the perceived ‘intrusion’ by specialists are employed. These persons are outsiders. viewed as professionals and are treated respectfully by the patient. It is likely that Russia-born elderly persons will be unaware that such services exist or Preventive medicine and wellness what it entails. If the person does know programs were virtually nonexistent in something about palliative care he/she has Russia, as are programs to educate the learnt this whist resident in Australia. public about personal sanitation, proper diet, and vitamins etc. The average Russian Death person doesn’t consume a balanced diet. The deceased is bathed and dressed in the Vegetables often were scare in Russia, clothes he/she has usually chosen before except in rural areas, where home-grown, death and these instructions were given to and fruit has never constituted an a family member. important element of the Russian diet.

Cremation is rare, according to the The concept of self-help (eg exercises, individual’s religious beliefs. An Orthodox programs) is also strong in priest will conduct the . In general the Russian psyche. relatives wear black clothing on the day of the burial, with the spouse choosing to wear black for up to 1 year (the year of burial).

It is important to establish each person’s wishes in the event of palliative care or death and recorded as part of their care plan.

20 LANGUAGE

Russian language is related to Sanskrit, Following is a sample of communication Greek and Latin, as well as the modern aids available through the web. Germanic, Romance, and Celtic languages, including English, , and Irish. It has Russian Language - Basic information: a Cyrillic alphabet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_ language The main languages spoken at home by Russian Federation-born people in Australia To learn basic phrases and words: are Russian 76.2%, and Polish 2.4% - with http://www..waytorussia.net/WhatIsRussia/ 13.2% of this population also speaking Russian/Part2.html English very well or well. (Source: Russian or: Community Information Summary, DIMIA, 2003.) http://www.guidetorussia.org/culture/ russian-language.shtml Many elderly Russia-born persons will have developed a mix of Russian and English languages, using both often in the same sentence.

YOU need to be aware that just because they once could speak English, this does not mean a) they necessarily spoke it fluently or extensively OR b) they have retained these skills as he/she aged OR c) that it is their preferred language as speaking English can be tiring to the elderly – as they are engaging in a -type of process.

For more Information A variety of language guides targeted at health and everyday activities is available at a cost from: HENDRIKA (HEalth aND Rapport Interactive Kommunication Aid) PO Box 326, Beaudesert, Qld 4285 or via website address: www.hendrika.com.au

21 Some examples of simple phrases/words in Russian:

English Russian Pronunciation

What is the time? Kato’ryi chas? It’s two o’clock Dva chasa This morning Segod’nya ootrom Tonight Vye’cherom How Long? Kak dol’go

Here Syuda’ House dom Yes da No nyet Thank you Spasi’bo

Please Pazhal’sta Good-bye dasvidanya Good Kharasho’ Medicines Lekar’stva Ointment maz

Fracture pyerelom Good day Dobreey den Good evening Dobreey vecher Do you understand Vy poni’maete I don’t understand Ya ne poni’mayu

Excuse me Izvi’nite Where gde Here zdes Left/right ‘levo/pravo Straight ahead P’ryamo Behind Poza’di When Kog’da Never Nikogda

22 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Diversicare Resources Centre for Culture Ethnicity and • Cultural Diversity Resource Directory for Health - Video Catalogue Residential and Community Care http://www.ceh.org.au/video_catalogue.htm Agencies, 2005. Lists all known resources under chapter headings of – Alzheimers Australia Communication, Cultural background, www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm? Health and Personal Care, Lifestyle, Legal, categoryid=14 Management, Resources. Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Phone Director, Diversicare for this www.alzheimers.org.au resource on (07) 3846 1099. Queensland Health – Multicultural Health Publications Useful Websites www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/ restopicmaster.asp?Rec=40&frmHealthTopic www.health.wa.gov.au/mau/ =MulticulturalHealth

New South Wales Queensland Transcultural Mental www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public- Health Centre affairs/mhcs/resources/index.html#top www.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc/ multilingual_resources.asp Victoria www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/ Cancer Foundation bhcht.nsf/CategoryDoc/PresentCategory http://www.cancerindex.org/clinks13.htm ?Open Nutrition Australia Federal Government www.nutritionaustralia.org www.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/ multilin.htm Information Lines www.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/ Aged and Community Care pubindex.htm Information Line: 1800 500 853

Cross Cultural Health Program () Carelink: 1800 052 222 www.xculture.org/resource/order/ index.cfm?Category=Articles

23 Libraries Organisations must be registered to borrow

Diversicare Ph (07) 3846 1099

Blue Care Ph (07) 3377 3327

Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre Ph (07) 3240 2833

HACC Resource Unit Ph (07) 3350 8653

Alzheimers Association of Queensland Inc. Ph (07) 3857 4043

24 CORRECTION / ADDITION FORM

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Post Fax Diversicare Attention: Margaret Hess PO Box 5199 Diversicare West End Qld 4101 Fax: (07) 3846 1107

Thank you for your assistance in keeping this document current. 25

49 – 51 Thomas Street West End Q 4101 PO Box 5199 West End Q 4101 Ph 07 3846 1099 Fax 3846 1107