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Providing culturally relevant care for Asian seniors

Author Providence Annual Report Team
Kin On resident Young-Shu Ma gets a helping hand from her visitor. Providence Swedish is proud to be a long-time supporter of Kin On, which provides care and support for Asian elders and their families.

In 1985, a group of Chinese Seattle residents came together to address a pressing community need: senior care for Asian immigrants. Filling that need was the foundation for Seattle’s Kin On – the nation’s first bilingual Chinese American nursing home.

For years, Providence Swedish has been a proud community partner of Kin On and its mission to provide culturally relevant care for Asian seniors.

Kin On, which means “healthy and safe” in Chinese, offers a comprehensive range of services, including assisted living, adult family homes, and long-term care. The organization also provides home care services, enabling seniors to age gracefully within their homes, a vision aligned with their commitment to culturally relevant care. Even the meals they serve on campus reflect Asian heritage. 

Providence Swedish has stood as a steadfast partner in Kin On’s journey, providing vital community investments. Jae Lim, program manager Providence Swedish Community Health Investment, stresses the critical role organizations like Kin On play in bridging health care gaps, particularly for senior immigrant populations. 

“There are gaps in our health-care system, especially our senior immigrant population. And that's where an organization like Kin On comes in. [They] understand the cultural and linguistic needs of these patients and individuals," Lim said. 

Watch this video from KING5’s Evening Magazine to learn more about Kin On and how it’s partnership with Providence Swedish helps keep our community’s Asian elders safe and healthy.