As the Sunday report indicated, London has seen an influx of elderly immigrants from countries such as Italy, Portugal, Greece, and China. These individuals need health care and may live with their children who are unaware of services in the city.
In addition, many of these elderly immigrants do not speak English and rely solely on their native language to communicate. They and their families are unaware of how to obtain translation, therefore, several London ethnic groups have worked out a deal with one health care provider, Kensington Village, to provide interpreters to elderly, non-English speaking patients.
Angela Greco Wilson, the project coordinator indicated, "We are saying, `If you have to go, pick this one,` because this is where we will send most of our volunteers, so the language will be there."
Kensington staff member, Peter Schlegel noted that everyone at the facility saw how familiar language alone could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.
23 June 2008
