Decades after Resettlement

Abstract

This study proposes that the experiences of refugees vary across the life course, creating new challenges as refugees grow into old age decades after resettlement. Past posttraumatic stress symptoms may emerge as different symptoms years later, with social role changes within the family and stressors triggered by the social environment surrounding the refugees. After their initial entry into the country decades ago as survivors of political violence, they were provided some material and financial assistance from the federal and state government in the region they relocated. Years later, however, aging population of refugees face new issues that were not present when they first arrived in this country. Scars of earlier traumatic experiences embedded in their psyche resurface requiring therapeutic attention. Social service providers and health care clinicians need to be aware of these changes, as they strive to provide relevant care and services to such groups. Only then can they effectively help refugees and contribute toward their resettlement.