Medical and aged care facilities will receive clients from different backgrounds. It is critical to be sensitive to the differences to give adequate care to the patients, especially when going for residential aged care services. The practice allows the caregiver to provide the best services since they can develop their plan according to their needs.
An Overview of Cultural Sensitivity in Aged Care
The background and experiences of people in aged care facilities are broad. Pundits predict that tr trend will continue as there is more diversity in people than in the past. However, it can be challenging for these facilities to give patients adequate care if they do not factor in cultural differences. Whether it is language, background, or sexuality, a professional caregiving center needs to consider the diversity in the people they care for at home or those enrolling in their facilities for personalized care.
It is difficult for clients to receive adequate care if the caregiver is not sensitive to their cultures. Most times, people will stereotype specific individuals, and it may cause Stigmatization, mainly due to religious beliefs or sexual orientation. Also, communication barriers can affect service delivery. However, caregivers need to go beyond the differences in people to care for them properly. The quality of service at the facility will significantly depend on the treatment the aging individuals receive.
What are the Challenges?
As more people seek aged care services either at home or in facilities, it is likely for the service providers to meet people with varying cultures. Below are some of the most challenges the caregivers are likely to face;
Cultural obstacles
Culture can hinder a person from getting the best treatment in care facilities. It may include challenges with the food available at the center. Whether it is their religious or cultural practice, aged care facilities need to consider their clients’ dietary needs. The facilities need to have a diverse menu where every person can get what he/she is accustomed to. The staff needs to consider every individual in the facility when preparing meals.
Communication Barriers
English is not the only language that people talk to, and you can find clients who do not speak or understand it. In every step of the caregiving process, the staff must consider communication barriers. It also includes knowing the best way to salute a person and avoiding words that may be offensive or derogatory to the other person. Whenever the need arises, use an interpreter to communicate effectively with the person visiting a caregiving facility. However, there are other alternative ways of communicating, like using language cards. It is critical for the facilities to make the place more comfortable by ensuring every member can express themselves as needed.
Religious Diversity
Religion is a sensitive issue as people are relentless in what they believe in. It may bring conflict in the aged care centers if the staff are insensitive to religious differences. Other patients need to understand the culture to avoid confrontations with their peers. On the other hand, residential aged care providers can improve their services by understanding the various religious needs.
Conclusion
Taking a proactive approach in understanding the cultural differences in people can help caregiving centers improve their facility and service delivery. They must be sensitive to other people’s culture and teach it in their practice.
