RussianCULTURE PROFILE

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

Russian Culture Profile

Thanks is given to the following people:Margaret Hess, Director, DiversicareElizabeth Zajac, Project Officer, PICACSerge Voloschenko, Chairman, Pine LodgeNadia Hope, Manager, Pine LodgeBranka Voyka, Recreation Officer, Pine Lodge

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

Editor: Jennifer Leigh (J Leigh & Associates)

DisclaimersThis directory is a synthesis of information from arange of sources believed to be reliable. Diversicaregives no warranty that the said base sources arecorrect, and accepts no responsibility for anyresultant errors contained herein or for decisionand actions taken as a result and any damage.

Please note there may be costs associated withsome of the resources and services listed in thisprofile.

INTRODUCTION 4

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

FAMILY 8Family structure 8Attitudes to residential care 8

PERSONAL HYGIENE 9Bathing 9Dress 9Grooming 9

PENSIONS 10

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

RELIGION 14Profile 14Important days 15

FOOD AND DIET 17Meals 17Food sources 18

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

DEATH AND DYING 20Palliative care 20Death & dying 20

LANGUAGE 21

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 23

CORRECTION / ADDITION FORM 25

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This profile of the Russian culturalcommunity is one of the many projectsundertaken by the Queensland Partners inCulturally Appropriate Care (PICAC).

The Queensland PICAC Project aims tofacilitate the development of partnershipsbetween ethnic community groups andresidential aged care service providers toimplement “best practice” strategies ofcare for older people from diversebackgrounds. The project is about ensuringthe needs of older people from a Russiancultural background are met.

Funded by the Commonwealth Departmentof Health & Ageing, the project inQueensland is managed by Diversicareunder the auspice of the EthnicCommunities Council of Qld.

Population trends within Australia areincreasingly characterised by a diversity ofpeople, languages and culture. Coupledwith this trend is an ageing population,also with a rich diversity of languages andcultures.

It’s not surprising then, that residentialaged care service providers are faced withincreasing demands for culturallyresponsive facilities and care.

This profile aims to assist by enhancing:• staff knowledge of the cultural and

linguistically diverse needs of personsfrom a Russian background. It also seeksto facilitate the professional competenceand development of staff in theprovision of culturally inclusive care; and

• The organisation’s compliance with theResidential Care Standards and NationalAged Care Standards as they pertain tothe issue of cultural and linguistic needs.

The profile provides useful informationabout a range of topics, resourcesincluding books, articles, audio-video aids,services, and so on.

This symbol is used to indicate a “tip”,which YOU, as the caregiver of aperson who was born within theRussian Federation, may find useful inyour day-to-day support of thatperson.

This guide is not intended to replace onestereotype of this culture with another;instead it is intended to provide someinsights into the culture. Nor does itdiminish the importance of youestablishing the individual cultural needsof each person as part of the careplanning process.

In an effort to maintain the accuracy ofthis profile and improve its contents, forall stakeholders, we encourage readers tocomplete the feedback form on the lastpage to inform us of any inaccuracies orother resources available. It is consideredthat this feedback will assist us maintain auser relevant and quality resource.

Yours Sincerely

Margaret Hess Elizabeth ZajacDirector PICAC Project Officer

INTRODUCTION

The Russian Federation stretching over avast amount of Europe and Asia is thelargest country in the world and has theworld’s eighth largest population. Russiashares land borders with Norway, Finland,Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus,Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan,China, Mongolia, and North Korea.

Formerly the Union of Soviet SocialistRepublics (USSR), Russia is now anindependent country since the Union’sdissolution in December 1991.

Migration experienceRussia has links with Australia since the18th Century when Russian navigatorshelped the British to chart the coast ofAustralia.

The Australian Census of 1901 recorded3,358 Russia-born persons living inAustralia. Following the 1905 uprising awave of emigration of dissidents came toAustralia via England and mainly settled inMelbourne or Sydney. A major part of thisgroup were Russian Jews.

Another wave of refugees, opponents ofthe Bolshevik Revolution, came to Australiaafter 1917. These groups of emigrants werecalled ‘White Russians’ (not to be confusedwith the people from Belarus who are alsoknown as ‘White Russia’). Small numbersof ‘White Russian’ refugees continued toarrive in Australia from China right up toearly 1970s.

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BACKGROUND

From the 1970s mainly Russian-speaking ofJewish background arrived in Australia.Most being young professionals betweenthe ages of 20 and 40s, coming via othercountries such as Israel, Italy or Austria.Since the breakdown of the Soviet Unionanother wave of Russian migrants, mostlyhighly educated professionals and amixture of Russian, Orthodox, Jewish andMuslim have arrived.

Australian statisticsAt the 2001 Census, 15 030 RussianFederation-born persons settled in allAustralian States, with Queensland beingthe third largest State behind Victoria andNSW. Of the total Russia-born populationin Australia:• 29.9% are aged over 65 years;• 61.6% have either a trade or tertiary

qualification;• 61.5% were employed in a skilled

occupation, 23.5% in Semi-Skilled;• Females comprised 59.9% and males

40.1%;• Their ancestry includes Russian (70.9%),

Jewish (7.2%) and Jewish-Russian (2.2%).(Source: Russian Community Information Summary, DIMIA, 2003)

Queensland has 8.5% (1,280 persons) ofthis total population and they have settledacross Queensland.

The above data means the person youare caring for could have been well-educated and worked in a skilled jobor a person with a limited educationand not speak English at all.

Customs in everyday lifeGreetingsThe typical greeting is a firm, handshakewhile maintaining direct eye contact whilstgiving the appropriate greeting for thetime of day (“Dobroe utro” – Goodmorning; “Dobriy den” – Good afternoon or“Dobriy vecher” – Good evening). It is veryimportant to remember when shakinghands with someone, to be sure to take offyour gloves, as it is considered rude not to.

Russians are a very demonstrative culture,and public physical contact is common (forexample, hugs, backslapping, kisses on thecheeks and other expansive gestures)among friends. Russians also tend to standclose to the other person when talking.

Referring to othersRussian names are comprised of:• First name, which is the person’s given

name.• Middle name, which is a patronymic or a

version of the father’s first name (formedby adding ‘vich’ or ‘ovich’ – for a male or‘ovna’ for a female). For example: the sonof Ivan would have a patronymic ofIvanovich while the daughter’spatronymic would be Ivanovna.

• Last name, which is the family orsurname.

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In formal situations, people use all threenames, whilst friends and close acquain-tances may refer to each other by theirfirst name and patronymic. Close friendsand family members call each other bytheir first name only.

GesturesPutting your thumb through your indexand middle fingers or making the “OK” signis considered a very rude gesture inRussia.

If the person spits three times over his/herleft shoulder it is to ward off bad luck orto express the hope for continued goodfortune (similar meaning to ‘knock onwood’).

A gesture linked to the Russian Orthodoxreligion is to cross themselves with theindex and middle finger of the right handresting on the thumb. The gesture beginsby touching the forehead, the chest justbelow the neck, then the right shoulderand, lastly, the left shoulder. This gesture isused several times throughout the day,when leaving ones home, at the end of asilent prayer, or simply at the onset ofones workday - not just in church. It’s useis also most prevalent among elderlywomen.

Entering a roomIt is courteous to open the door and letwomen or the host to enter the room first.It is also polite for people to remove theirshoes upon entering a home, often beinggiven a pair of slippers (tapki) to help keepthe place clean.

AttireWomen usually wear a dark coloured coat,leather or wool. Men typically wear thick-soled loafers, blue jeans, sneakers orsweatshirts. Business dress is formal andconservative. Women should wear subduedbusiness suits with skirts that cover theknees. Men should wear business suits.Shoes should be highly polished.

Everyone wears a hat, usually furry onesthat are typical Russian attire, or wool ormohair berets.

TaboosFor religious reasons, ‘Friday’ and ‘thirteen’are the most pervasive and powerfultaboos in Russian culture. Russian peoplenever hold celebrations on Fridays or onthe thirteenth day in a month.

Russians never send their friends yellowgifts, because doing such implies disloyalty.They prefer gifts in blue and think of blueas a symbol of friendship.

The above customs are from a time inwhich the older generation lived andwere raised. They may not be evidentin the younger generations, nor dothey necessarily apply to everyRussia-born aged person. It isimportant YOU check on whetheradherence to these, or other customsunique to their region of origin, is tobe used with that Russia-born person.

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Cultural stereotypes The Russian heritage is associated withhigh culture in terms of theatre, drama,literature, art, concerts and opera.Russians considers themselves a well-educated nation.

Whilst identifying as Russian, each personalso has a strong sense of regional culturalidentity. The region in which the personlived will impact on the person’s prefer-ences related to such things as festivals,food, drink, clothing, cultural personality,music and language dialect etc.

Russia has had a long history of totalitari-anism, which has resulted in a ratherfatalistic approach to living. This can alsoexplain in part why many older Russiansare generally quiet, pessimistic and don’thave much faith in a better life in thefuture.

It should be remembered this is justone view and does not apply to everyRussia-born person. This reality meansYOU should establish each Russia -born person’s preferences.

Having established this person’s prefer-ences be careful not to replace one culturalstereotype with another related to whatshould be considered stereo-typically‘Russian’.

For more information“The Russian-born community”, CommunityInformation Summary, Department ofImmigration and Multicultural andIndigenous Affairs (DIMIA), 2006. Availableas a PDF document from the following webaddress:http://www.immi.gov.au/statistics/stat_info/comm_summ/summary.htm

Family structureA keyword in Russian family life is‘dependence’. Russians are particularlyattached to their family members becauseit is typical for many Russians to live insmall apartments in large blocks, with 2-3generations living together. It is normal forgrown single children to live with theirparents, as well as married children withspouses who will stay with one of theparents.

Russians often marry at a young age - 18-22 years. Being single in Russia is notpositive. An unmarried woman has lowstatus, regardless of occupation or incomelevel.

The male is generally the head of thefamily with both parents working. Caringfor children and all housework is awomen’s responsibility. Elderly persons areencouraged to stay with their families foras long as possible, often because theincome of pensioners is very low.

Attitudes to residential careResidential care is seen by elderly Russianpeople as the last option and other in-home support programs will be accessed toprolong independence for as long aspossible.

Leaving home and moving into any othercommunal arrangement is the equivalentto losing their independence.

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FAMILY

Where residential placement happens, thisis often due to the loss of family membersor family networks, rather than as apreference of the person. (Source: www.dw-world.de/select_html/0,,,00.html)

If you need help to provide culturallyappropriate care, the assistance of thePICAC Project Officer is available freeof charge to your agency or theresident. This service is restricted tothe greater metropolitan Brisbane andTownsville. For more information onPICAC contact Diversicare on (07) 3846 1099.

The routines and preferences surroundingthe following personal hygiene activitiesgreatly impact on the person’s sense ofself, pride, dignity and confidence.

BathingSome Russia-born persons want a showerweekly, whereas others can prefer ashower daily. No one will accept a showeron Sundays.

DressOlder people prefer not to wear brightcolours and prefer clothes that are warmand will not wear trousers outside of thehome. An older woman doesn’t like toexpose any parts of her body. There arecultural norms surrounding standard ofdress whereby sloppy or overly casualdress in public may be seen as inappro-priate. Clothing also needs to be in goodrepair and ironed.

What is considered ‘appropriate’ standardof dress is individual and will beinfluenced by the region in which theylived.

GroomingMen and women take care of themselvesand depending where they lived (village ortown), what education level they have andwhere they worked, he/she may wearmakeup, jewellery, nail polish or perfumeetc.

It is important each person’s prefer-ences in their dress, bathing,grooming etc are established as partof their care plan.

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PERSONAL HYGIENE

People who lived and paid taxes in othercountries may be eligible for a partialpension payment from that country. Tocheck eligibility for any payment/pensionfrom Russia the person should contact theRussian Embassy and check whatdocuments to send etc.

If you receive any foreign pension,Centrelink must be informed and yourAustralian supplememt will be reducedaccording to the increased amount fromRussia. Failure to notify Centrelink canresult in a debt and fine being imposed.

Russian Embassy in Canberra78 Canberra Avenue, GriffithACT 2603Ph (02) 6295 9474Fax (02) 6295 1847E-mail:rusembassy.australia@rambler.ru

Consulate-General of the RussianFederation in Sydney7-9 Fullerton Street, WoollahraNSW 2025Ph (02) 9326 1188 or 9326 1866Fax (02) 9327 5065E-mail: ruscon@bigpond.comWeb:www.sydneyrussianconsulate.com

For more informationCheck your local telephone directory foryour local Centrelink office.

Russia is a large and extremely culturallydiverse country, with dozens of ethnicgroups, each with their own forms of folkmusic, languages and religions.

As a well-educated nation, Russians like toread and are fond of live opera, musical,ballet and drama performances.

Intellectually, Russians are interestingpeople to talk to and enjoy ‘deep subjects’given Philosophy is a mandatory subject ofall university study. This may explain whyRussians like to talk about their differentattitude towards material values, the‘specifics of Russian soul’, and repeat thefamous phrase of a Russian poet: “You canunderstand Russia by your mind”.

Russian people are interested in sports,especially soccer, tennis, hockey, basketballand formula-one racing. They prefer to playchallenging card games and chess. Olderwomen often like to make preserves, jams,compotes, cakes or pastries.

Russians are a social culture, enjoyingdrinks with colleagues and friends plussing-songs. People of all ages like talking toeach other, discussing different topics.

The above information can assist indeveloping diversional therapyactivities eg cooking cakes orpastries, craft work and/or card,chess or board games. However, YOUneed to check with each individual hisor her preferences in regard to theabove.

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PENSIONS LEISURE AND RECREATION

Daily RoutineRussian people like a routine (eg whenhe/she rises or retires, bathes, when tohave meals or going walking). Generallythey have a structured pattern to the dayand like sticking to these times.

You need to establish with eachindividual his/her preferences relatedto his/her daily routine and timings.

Social groupsA diverse range of Russian social groupsmeet. The Russian clubs in Brisbane andGladstone provide community functions,arts, music, information/education. Contactdetails are:

Queensland Russian CommunityCentre19 Lotus Street, Buranda Q 4102Ph (07) 3391 3432

Russian Club (Brisbane Inc)15 Trafalgar StreetWoolloongabba Q 4102Ph (07) 3892 2929

Russian Benevolent Assn Homefor the Aged18 Balham Street, Rocklea Q 4106Ph (07) 3277 5841

Russian Ethnic Gladstone GroupPO Box 16, Yarwun Q 4694Ph (07) 4973 6605

Russian-Australia Link72 Osborne Road, Mitchelton Q 4053Ph (07) 3354 4179

St Nicholas Cathedral-RussianOrthodox Church114 Woodlands DriveRochedale South Q 4123Ph (07) 3341 8881

TelevisionThe SBS television network is available inmajor cities in Queensland. SBS providesRussian-speaking movies or serials. SBStelevision programming can bedownloaded from their website by going tothe following address:www.sbs.com.au/whatson/index.php3then choose what you are interested infrom the listed menu.

In greater metropolitan Brisbane, Briz 31also has programs about different cultures,download their program guide from:http://briz31.tv/news.html

Check your TV program guide or thewebsite for local viewing time as theymay change in rural areas or acrosstime zones.

MoviesYou can hire movies from video libraries –it is important you check on the back ofthe DVD for the list of languages in whichit is available.

It is also possible to purchase Russian-language movies via the internet by doinga search, eg: http://multilingualbooks.com/foreignvids-russian.html

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You can also search the Brisbane CityCouncil library catalogue via its languagecollection by going to the followingwebsite and choosing the preferredlanguage which will then take you to ascreen where you choose your category ofinterest (eg movies, books, music, DVDs):www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi/

RadioBroadcasting in Russian language occurson SBS on Friday 5pm – 6pm.

SBS radio programming (SBS radio 2 97.7or SBS Radio 1 1107) can be downloadedfrom their website by going to thefollowing address:www.sbs.com.au/radio/then choose “radio schedule” on the leftside of the screen.

In greater metropolitan Brisbane, it is alsopossible to tune into 4EB (Fm 98.1) andtheir program guide can be downloadedfrom their website at the followingaddress:http://www.4eb.org.au/progguide.htm

The Russian international broadcaster canalso be listened through ‘Deutsche Welle’over the web by logging onto the followingwebsite and choosing preferred language:www.dw-world.de/

Check your radio program guide orthe website for local listening timesas they may change in rural areas oracross time zones.

NewspapersThe region in which the person lived inRussia can affect his/her preferrednewspaper. There are 3 ways to accessRussian-language newspapers:

1) Go to the following web addresshttp://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspxand access a copy of the followingnewspapers:• (Argumenty i Facty) • Moskovsky Komsomolets• (Kommersant)• The Moscow Times • (Komsomolskaya

Pravda)• Izvestija• The Mockow News• Komsomolskaya Pravda• Moscovskie Novosti• Trud

2) The following web address gives youaccess to ALL newspapers producednationally or in the towns listed eg.choosing Moscow leads to a listing of 5newspapers from which to choose todownload:http://www.mediatico.com/en/newspapers/europe/russia

3) You can search on the web using thename of the publication. For example‘Izvestija’ and you can get the free accessto this paper:http://www.russia.com/newspapers/

If the person can’t use a computer,don’t forget you can access theinternet and load these newspapersand print all or some pages whichcan then be given to the person toread at their leisure.12

BooksRegardless of your location in Queenslandit is possible to arrange to have anyRussian-language books sent to your locallibrary for a small fee.

You can search the Brisbane City Councillibrary catalogue via its language collectionby going to the following website andchoosing the preferred language which willthen take you to a screen where youchoose your category of interest (egmovies, books, music, DVDs):www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/booksOr: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Every council library in Queenslandborrows from the Qld State Library.The State Library itself has Russian-language resources (books, videos,CDs) that your local library canarrange to borrow for a small fee. You can do a search of the StateLibrary resources (which will list theresource, type of resource and callnumber) by going to the followingweb address:http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/find/cat

Talking books in Russian-language can bedifficult to obtain from libraries. However,there are some in Pine Lodge in Brisbanewhich you can negotiate access to bycontacting the Manager - (07) 3277 5841.

ONLY for those persons who are visuallyimpaired and a member of the Qld BlindFoundation, it is possible to borrow fromits talking book library which has only 2Russian-language taped books. You willneed to complete an application form, andif approved, borrowing rights then apply.Contact 1300 654 656 to obtain a referralform.

MusicMusic is very important to Russia-bornperson regardless of gender. It is a strongcultural expression of who that person isand the region he/she lived in.

The key thing to remember with music is alikely personal preference for music of theera in which they were teenagers or intheir twenties. It is likely that olderpersons will prefer traditional Russianmusic.

You can purchase from the larger musicstores on their websites eg Sanity’s webaddress allows you to search for Russian-language music and CDs. Their webaddress is: http://www.sanity.com.au

You can search the Brisbane City Councillibrary catalogue via its language collectionby going to the following website andchoosing the preferred language which willthen take you to a screen where youchoose your category of internet (egmovies, books, music, DVDs):www.brisbane.qld.gov.uthbin Please note, a fee may apply for organisinginter-library loans.

Again establish each individual’spreferences and check whether familymembers can assist in findingRussian language books, videos, DVDs,music etc.

For more informationRefer to Diversicare’s MulticulturalResource Directory (2004) for more detailedinformation about sources and otheroptions.

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ProfileThe majority of Russian people belong to achurch, even if they may in practice not beregular attendees. Of the total Russia-bornpopulation in Australia the major religionsare: • Russian Orthodox (27.2%)• Jewish (19.5%)• Western Catholic (5.6%)• 19.3% stated ‘No religion’ (The Russian Community Information Summary, DIMIA 2003.)

Remember there can be a differencebetween nominating a particular religionto practicing that religion in ones’everyday life (or whether all or somerituals/practices within that religion areobserved).

Equally, just because a person when youngdid not practice or observe their religiondoesn’t mean as the person ages he/shemight now wish to practice.

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

Other days celebrated by Russian peopleare:• March or April - Pancake week (before

Easter’s Lent)• May 1st – Labour Day • May 2nd – Spring Day Holiday• May 9th – Victory Day• June 12th – National Day• August 22nd – Day of the Russian

Federation State Flag• November 7th – Accord and

Reconciliation Day• December 12th – Constitution Day

The following listing is not intendedto be exhaustive; rather it lists themajor shared ‘special days’. Youshould check with the person orhis/her family if there are otherspecial days, which is important tothat person.

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RELIGION

Important DaysThere are a variety of special events at State, city and local level.

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Festivity

Easter

Name Day“DienAngela”

Month / Date

Easter is celebrated ondifferent days every year– check which daysOrthodox Church willcelebrate Easter.

The last Sunday beforeEaster is called PalmSunday.

Easter celebration

Good Friday (VelikayaPiatniza)

Easter Sunday

Red Hill – the firstSunday after Easter.(Krasnaja Gorka)

Every day is connectedwith different saints.

Customary practices

Lent (Fasting) - 40 days before Easter. Fasting andpreparation for Easter.

The last week of the Fast is called Holy Week. Willowbranches (Verba) are put by icons until the next WillowSunday.

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

Deep mourning and fasting.

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

Also popular for wedding ceremonies.

People who share the same name receive special gifts,flowers and good wishes from family members andfriends.Birthdays are not popular to celebrate.

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Festivity

Advent

Christmas

Christmas Day

New Year’s Eve

New Year

Month / Date

Commences 4Sundays beforeChristmas

Christmas Eve –Russian Orthodox6th January

(Some people alsocelebrate 31stDecember)

Christmas Day –7th January

31st December

Russian Orthodox –13th January1st January

Customary practices

Preparation for Christmas. Some people fast and goto church.

Christmas Eve supper is meatless but festive. A specialporridge called kutya is served. It is made of wheatberries or other grains and honey and poppy seeds.A ceremony involving blessing the home is alsofrequently observed.Before supper people attend church for a specialmass. After Christmas Eve services people carrycandles or torches and parade around the church.After the church service people are involved in house-to-house carolling - a ritual known as kolyadki.

Families spend the day together, some attending thechurch and have special dinner. Everyone can eatanything and everything. Santa Claus (Ded Moroz)leaves gifts under the Christmas tree.

New Year’s balls, fireworks, people kiss, hug andwish Happy New Year to relatives and friends. Afterthat everyone exchanges gifts.

Some people celebrate the New Year on 1st of January.New Year remains the most important holiday formost Russians.

The essential components of Russiancuisine are those foods that provide themost carbohydrates and fat rather thanproteins eg. bread, potatoes, meat, eggsand butter. Fresh fruits and vegetables arerarely used in meals.

MealsBreakfast Usually this is a quick meal.Adults are likely to have an open sandwichwith cheese, ham or salami with a cup oftea. Children tend to eat a cooked mealconsisting of a boiled egg, omelette orkasha (any cooked grain or cereal servedwith milk, sugar and butter).

Lunch This is the main meal of the dayand is eaten between 1pm and 3pm. Lunchstarts with a small entrée (zakooska) eg.salted-herring or salad etc. This is followedby soup often made from a homemade

stock. After soup is the main course eg.fish or meatballs. If a meat stew is eatenthey tend to have been flavoured usingwild mushroom, pickled cucumber orspecial cream. The main course is servedwith potatoes, pasta, cereal, salted-cucumbers and always served with bread.

Lunch is finished with either coffee, tea,compot (stewed fruit) or fruit juice.

Afternoon tea Desserts or pastries arevery popular and particularly enjoyed atthis time. Tea or milk follows.

Dinner (or supper) This meal is eatenwith the family around the table. Soup canbe served again and the main course mightbe vegetables like potato cakes withmushroom sauce or cottage cheese.

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FOOD AND DIET

Bread

dark, heavyrye bread,toast

Cheeses

cottagecheese andany otherkind ofyellowcheeses arepopular

Vegetables

beetroot,cabbage, peas,beanspotatoes,cucumbers,tomatoes,onion andgarlic

Honey is verypopular

Meat / Fish

chicken, freshwater fish,meatball,steak,frankfurter-typesausages andbeef, porkmeat

Fruit

fresh fruitsnot verypopular –maybe onlyapples andberries

stewed orcooked fruits(compots)are popular

Drinks

tea, coffee,tea withlemon

beer, wine,vodka

It is important to establish eachperson’s food preferences, cookingstyle (eg fried versus poached),quantity and timing of meals andrecorded as part of their care plan.

Food sourcesMore and more of the larger food stores eg Woolworths, Coles stock Russian (orEuropean) foods, and you should checkwhat is available at these types of stores in the first instance.

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

German Butcher Heinz611 Stanley StreetWoolloongabba Qld 4102Ph (07) 3391 3530

Rene’s Smallgoods41 Tubbs StreetClontarf Qld 4019Ph (07) 3283 7711

*Adam’s Continental Smallgoods206 Cobalt StreetCarole Park Qld 4300Ph (07) 3271 3044

*Swiss Gourmet Deli181 Boundary StreetWest End Qld 4101Ph (07) 3844 2937

Euro Continental FoodQuality Greek & European ProductsShop 1/75-77 Russell StWest End Qld 4101Ph (07) 3844 5059

Franz Continental Smallgoods15 Industrial AvenueCaloundra Qld 4551Ph (07) 5493 9366

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Trauma situationsWorld War II is a subject that needs to behandled with tact. It should not beforgotten that Russia-born aged personshave lived through a very traumatic timearising from not just the war experiencebut also the years post-war when timeswere very tough. It is likely that manyfamilies were split up and dislocated toareas thought safer than large towns.

Perception of health professionalsRussian people believe in the unlimitedpower of drugs and other forms oftherapy. The high status of the patientinfluences not only the patient-familyrelationship, but also the patient/doctorrelationship and hospital care.

The patient expects therefore to belistened to, not only when he/she disclosesthe symptoms, but also when he/she statesown ideas about the nature of his/hercomplaints, its origins and treatments.Russian persons want to know all abouttheir disease/illness, what caused it, howlong it is going to last, what is to be theoutcome – and they also expect all thisinformation will be provided in way theyare able to understand. They often see foodand stress as frequent causes of anyillness.

Complementary medicine is also seen tohave an integral role in the health ofRussia-born persons, often alongsidewestern medicine. It is not uncommon forthe person to seek medical advice andmedication and then go seek help from ahealth practitioner eg. Herbalist,naturopaths, homeopath or acupunctureand undertake a remedial exerciseprogram.

It should be noted that whilst respectful oftheir professional status, the person willquestion the doctor freely eg asking aboutdrug side effects, the implication of theillness on their particular lifestyle etc.

This may mean YOU shouldn’tperceive a Russian person whoquestions a doctor or health profes-sional as being difficult. Nor shouldyou consider the person as ‘beingdifficult’ should he/she want a secondopinion or to access complementarymedicines of some type.

Attitudes to illness and painRussian persons are often stoic about painand loath seeing a doctor too quickly -trying to cope with it for as long aspossible mostly by ignoring it. The persongenerally won’t talk about it unless a closefriend or family member mentions anychanges they have noticed.

Generally Russians have a strong tendencyfor self-diagnosis, using medical books andnatural treatments (herbs etc.).

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HEALTH

Going to health professionals is usual andRussia-born persons are used to themedical hierarchy (i.e. General practi-tioners for overall health with referral toSpecialist as needed for more in-depthtreatment). Russia’s health care system ischaracterised by large outpatient facilitiescalled “polyclinics”, where generalphysicians (called a therapist) and variousspecialists are employed. These persons areviewed as professionals and are treatedrespectfully by the patient.

Preventive medicine and wellnessprograms were virtually nonexistent inRussia, as are programs to educate thepublic about personal sanitation, properdiet, and vitamins etc. The average Russianperson doesn’t consume a balanced diet.Vegetables often were scare in Russia,except in rural areas, where home-grown,and fruit has never constituted animportant element of the Russian diet.

The concept of self-help (eg exercises,rehabilitation programs) is also strong inthe Russian psyche.

Palliative CareThe concept of a hospice and palliativecare was not known in Russia. Care of theterminally ill has been a family responsi-bility, and in some cases there can be someopposition to the perceived ‘intrusion’ byoutsiders.

It is likely that Russia-born elderly personswill be unaware that such services exist orwhat it entails. If the person does knowsomething about palliative care he/she haslearnt this whist resident in Australia.

DeathThe deceased is bathed and dressed in theclothes he/she has usually chosen beforedeath and these instructions were given toa family member.

Cremation is rare, according to theindividual’s religious beliefs. An Orthodoxpriest will conduct the burial. In generalrelatives wear black clothing on the day ofthe burial, with the spouse choosing towear black for up to 1 year (the year ofburial).

It is important to establish eachperson’s wishes in the event ofpalliative care or death and recordedas part of their care plan.

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DEATH AND DYING

Russian language is related to Sanskrit,Greek and Latin, as well as the modernGermanic, Romance, and Celtic languages,including English, French, and Irish. It hasa Cyrillic alphabet.

The main languages spoken at home byRussian Federation-born people in Australiaare Russian 76.2%, and Polish 2.4% - with13.2% of this population also speakingEnglish very well or well. (Source: Russian

Community Information Summary, DIMIA, 2003.)

Many elderly Russia-born persons will havedeveloped a mix of Russian and Englishlanguages, using both often in the samesentence.

YOU need to be aware that justbecause they once could speakEnglish, this does not mean a) theynecessarily spoke it fluently orextensively OR b) they have retainedthese skills as he/she aged OR c) thatit is their preferred language asspeaking English can be tiring to theelderly – as they are engaging in atranslation-type of process.

For more InformationA variety of language guides targeted athealth and everyday activities is availableat a cost from:HENDRIKA (HEalth aND Rapport InteractiveKommunication Aid)PO Box 326, Beaudesert, Qld 4285 or viawebsite address: www.hendrika.com.au

Following is a sample of communicationaids available through the web.

Russian Language - Basic information:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language

To learn basic phrases and words:http://www..waytorussia.net/WhatIsRussia/Russian/Part2.htmlor:http://www.guidetorussia.org/culture/russian-language.shtml

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LANGUAGE

Some examples of simple phrases/words in Russian:

22

English

What is the time?

It’s two o’clock

This morning

Tonight

How Long?

Here

House

Yes

No

Thank you

Please

Good-bye

Good

Medicines

Ointment

Fracture

Good day

Good evening

Do you understand

I don’t understand

Excuse me

Where

Here

Left/right

Straight ahead

Behind

When

Never

Russian Pronunciation

Kato’ryi chas?

Dva chasa

Segod’nya ootrom

Vye’cherom

Kak dol’go

Syuda’

dom

da

nyet

Spasi’bo

Pazhal’sta

dasvidanya

Kharasho’

Lekar’stva

maz

pyerelom

Dobreey den

Dobreey vecher

Vy poni’maete

Ya ne poni’mayu

Izvi’nite

gde

zdes

‘levo/pravo

P’ryamo

Poza’di

Kog’da

Nikogda

23

Diversicare Resources• Cultural Diversity Resource Directory for

Residential and Community CareAgencies, 2005. Lists all known resourcesunder chapter headings of –Communication, Cultural background,Health and Personal Care, Lifestyle, Legal,Management, Resources.

Phone Director, Diversicare for thisresource on (07) 3846 1099.

Useful WebsitesWestern Australia www.health.wa.gov.au/mau/

New South Waleswww.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public-affairs/mhcs/resources/index.html#top

Victoriawww.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcht.nsf/CategoryDoc/PresentCategory?Open

Federal Governmentwww.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/multilin.htm

www.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/pubindex.htm

Cross Cultural Health Program (USA)www.xculture.org/resource/order/index.cfm?Category=Articles

Centre for Culture Ethnicity andHealth - Video Cataloguehttp://www.ceh.org.au/video_catalogue.htm

Alzheimers Australiawww.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=14

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW www.alzheimers.org.au

Queensland Health – MulticulturalHealth Publicationswww.health.qld.gov.au/publications/restopicmaster.asp?Rec=40&frmHealthTopic=MulticulturalHealth

Queensland Transcultural MentalHealth Centrewww.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc/multilingual_resources.asp

Cancer Foundationhttp://www.cancerindex.org/clinks13.htm

Nutrition Australiawww.nutritionaustralia.org

Information Lines

Aged and Community CareInformation Line: 1800 500 853

Carelink: 1800 052 222

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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LibrariesOrganisations must be registered toborrow

Diversicare Ph (07) 3846 1099

Blue Care Ph (07) 3377 3327

Queensland Transcultural MentalHealth Centre Ph (07) 3240 2833

HACC Resource Unit Ph (07) 3350 8653

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

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Please complete the following page if you are aware of either incorrect details or youknow of additional resources that should be included.

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CORRECTION / ADDITION FORM

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Post FaxDiversicare Attention: Margaret HessPO Box 5199 DiversicareWest End Qld 4101 Fax: (07) 3846 1107

Thank you for your assistance in keeping this document current.

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