Recently arrived immigrants have a 6 month waiting period before being eligible for social security benefits. This is experienced by many at school, at work and in the wider community, and creates feelings of anger and frustration, inadequacy and fear. Isolation is a particular problem for the elderly. They may have difficulty communicating with the younger generation, born in Australia or New Zealand, and may lack transport, especially if they live alone. Single parent families, especially if transport and child care are issues, may also have to cope with isolation.
Some families choose to be separate from the Samoan community.
Both Samoans and Tongans tend to be shy, and tend not to ask questions or question a health professional's authority. They tend to say they understand even if they don't. This means one needs constantly to check understanding, particularly if informed consent is being sought for a procedure. They may need to be encouraged to ask questions, otherwise they may not, even if they need to. Among both men and women, a high level of body contact is natural and normal.