Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2025
Abstract
This paper examined the unique needs and challenges of Japanese immigrant elderly couples living in the rural Midwest of the United States through the lens of systemic family therapy. The focus family consisted of an elderly husband showing early signs of dementia and a wife who recognized the necessity of transitioning to independent living. Their adult daughter and son-in-law’s involvement intensified intergenerational tension, as traditional cultural norms granted the husband decision-making authority. The study provided a statistical overview of Japanese immigrant families in the U.S., highlighting aging trends, linguistic barriers, and geographic dispersion. Common psychosocial and systemic issues such as healthcare access, caregiver stress, cultural expectations of filial piety, and stigma toward dementia were analyzed alongside resilience factors like strong family cohesion and respect for elders. The paper examined barriers and historical oppression faced by Japanese Americans, particularly regarding assimilation pressures and systemic inequities in healthcare and aging services. Using systemic family therapy as the guiding framework, the analysis emphasized culturally responsive engagement, empathy, and power-sharing to promote family collaboration and self-determination. Evidence-based assessment tools and interprofessional collaboration strategies were outlined to ensure holistic, culturally grounded support. Finally, a six-session family treatment curriculum was proposed to strengthen communication, address cultural role conflicts, and foster adaptive decision-making within the family system. This work underscored the importance of integrating cultural humility, family systems theory, and anti-oppressive practice in social work with aging immigrant populations.