Cross-cultural comparison of long-term care in the United States and Finland: Research done through a short-term study-abroad experience

ABSTRACT

In May 2014, a short-term study-abroad experience was conducted in Finland through a course offered at Indiana State University (ISU). Students and faculty from ISU and Eastern Illinois University participated in the experience, which was created to facilitate a cross-cultural comparison of long-term-care settings in the United States and Finland. With its outstanding system of caring for the health and social needs of its aging populace, Finland is a logical model to examine when considering ways to improve the quality of life for older adults who require care in the United States . Those participating in the course visited a series of long-term-care facilities in the region surrounding Terre Haute, Indiana, then travelled to Lappeenranta, Finland to visit parallel sites. Through limited-participation observation and semistructured interviews, similarities and differences in experiences, educations, and policies affecting long-term care workers in the United States and Finland were identified and are described here.

KEYWORDS:

• Cross-cultural comparison
• long-term care
• study abroad

Funding

Generous funding for this trip was provided by Indiana State University’s Center for Global Engagement; Center for Student Research and Creativity; College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services; Interdisciplinary Programs; and the Honors Program. Students participating in the trip also received donations from family and friends to defray costs.

Additional information

Funding

Generous funding for this trip was provided by Indiana State University’s Center for Global Engagement; Center for Student Research and Creativity; College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services; Interdisciplinary Programs; and the Honors Program. Students participating in the trip also received donations from family and friends to defray costs.