How does culture impact home care?


BC is the most ethnically diverse Canadian province with over 30% of the population originating from another country. Our cultural backgrounds impact our beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors. The aging population is growing more culturally diverse every year. 

All communication in healthcare is influenced by language, behaviors, traditions, beliefs, and perspectives. Therefore, a basic knowledge of the patient's cultural background is required for health care providers & workers to be able to practice cultural sensitivity, also referred to as cultural competence.

In caregiving & nursing, a culturally competent health care professional is able to more effectively relate to each individual patient’s needs and emphasize.  Such is reflected in an open attitude & important cultural awareness & knowledge. The majority of care staff are culturally competent as they come from diverse cultures and backgrounds themselves. Cultural skills can be learned, developed, and should be refined due to growing multiculturalism around the world. 

In reference to home care, each caregiver and nurse is expected to by their employer, client & their family to:

  • Understand the client's cultural background, traditions, and family dynamics to better communicate with the client and their family. For example, In some traditions, a health care worker will be required to be more assertive, in others more passive. 


  • Be aware of any preferences in communication such as how to address the client and each family member. That should include an understanding of the client’s personal space which is crucial in providing culturally competent care. 


  • Understand & respect any physical contact preferences - especially when personal care is being provided to the client. What is acceptable to the client and what is not. Some clients are very particular especially when it comes to toileting, changing & more.

 

  • Know & understand any dietary traditions as some foods can be prohibited for religious and or personal reasons.

 

  • Knowing, understanding & respecting the client’s values related to wellbeing, health  & death. A fact that is crucial in hospice care to be able to support clients in dying with dignity.


As most aging adults, especially seniors, have a hard time accepting outside help & home care, cultural competence can have a great positive impact on clients' overall wellbeing. In some cases, the health care worker is also required to help families in coping with their family member's needs for care as well. 

The goal of quality home health care is for the client to stay independent as long as possible to be able to age in place of living while remaining comfortable & safe.  Cultural competent care enriches clients' quality of life as it affects them in a positive way, emotionally & cognitively.  They feel more understood and nurtured.

Ensure to ask direct questions about what to expect regarding cultural competence when you should be in the process of choosing, selecting &  hiring a private home care company to care for you, or a loved one.

Just Like Family Home Care offers free consultations. For the Burnaby & New Westminster franchise, contact Jen Dimatatac, RN, owner & operator to consult on flexible home care options.

For further information on Just Like Family Home Care Burnaby & New Westminster visit:


https://www.justlikefamily.ca/locations/british-columbia/burnaby-new-westminster






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