Available Translation Services
Without reliable, real-time translation services, many elders are left vulnerable, unsure of how to access the medication that is vital to their health. Immigrant elders deserve real-time support, and there must be a communal, governmental response to bridge the language gap in healthcare. The situation has reached a point where many of these elders are now calling on the Massachusetts government to step in and provide communal translation services.
Endorsement
Heritage Bridge's Letter of Recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Rep. Adrian C. Madro.
Pressing Challenges
One of the most common and pressing challenges elderly immigrants face is obtaining necessary medications. This issue is particularly evident in Massachusetts, where many elderly immigrants have shared their deep frustrations with the pharmacy system. The process of retrieving prescribed medicine is often described as not only inconvenient but also overwhelming due to the significant language barrier. Many elders report that pharmacists and staff do not provide enough assistance, leaving them struggling to communicate their needs effectively. Without proper translation services or interpreters, they are left uncertain about crucial details like dosages, medication instructions, potential side effects, and even how to request refills—putting their health and safety at risk.
Negative Consequences to Health
These immigrant elders face significant delays or complications simply because they cannot express their needs clearly or understand the information provided. This lack of communication support often leads to misunderstandings about their prescriptions, resulting in medication errors, skipped doses, or even abandoning the use of their medications altogether. Many elderly individuals feel an overwhelming sense of isolation and frustration as they are unable to advocate for themselves in a healthcare system that feels inaccessible and indifferent to their needs. This affects their physical well-being and also contributes to emotional stress, as they worry about whether they are taking their medications properly and fear potential health complications.
Impact to Heritage Bridges
For the past four years, I have been dedicated to teaching English to more than 150+ elderly immigrants, spanning both China and the United States. This work has given me a greater insight into the challenges Elder Immigrants face, particularly as they try to navigate daily life in a new environment. Since January 2024, I’ve noticed a growing number of concerns raised by the elders in my classes, especially regarding the language barriers they encounter when seeking essential services like healthcare. A recurring issue brought up by dozens of elders is the lack of access to interpreters and the poor quality of translation services for critical healthcare documents and medicine, which makes navigating the medical system increasingly difficult and stressful.
Message from Nicole Han (Founder/executive director)