What role does culture play in caregiving? How can caregivers best honor their care receiver’s culture, especially if the caregiver does not share the same heritage or even speak the same language?
Britannica defines culture as “all the ways of life that are passed down from generation to generation”; in other words, it is the language, art, music, spirituality, and beliefs that are passed down from our ancestors, making each of us unique. I currently work with clients that are from a Hispanic background, and as a Hispanic woman myself, I find parallels between our beliefs and ideas.
Even if a caregiver does not share the same culture as their care receiver, I encourage them to seek similarities between their own traditions and their care receiver’s: this will establish not only a topic of conversation, but a point of connection. I’ve found that what’s most important is to show respect and curiosity for the beliefs of those we care for. When we show a strong, consistent interest in our loved one’s cultural background, we grow as individuals by broadening our own perspective while strengthening our bond with those we care for.
My ability to speak Spanish helps to facilitate clear communication with my clients; however, conversation is not the only way to connect with your loved one. Culture is a spectrum, so even if you cannot fully express your admiration for your loved one’s history and traditions verbally, you can:
- Prepare food for your loved one: search online to find beloved recipes from your care receiver’s culture and share the meal with them
- Create a playlist of music sung in your care receiver’s preferred language
- Display or create a scrapbook of photos from your loved one’s upbringing, highlighting significant cultural holidays and traditions
- Invite someone who speaks your care receiver’s preferred language over for a visit, especially if they are a relative or close friend
Southern Caregiver Resource Center offers several valuable resources on connecting with your care receiver through culture, whether it is shared or different. I recommend the following content by SCRC:
I also recommend registering for SCRC’s upcoming livestream in Spanish, Raíces y responsabilidades: Cuidadores familiares latinos, or Roots and Responsibilities: Latino Family Caregivers (English subtitles will be available via YouTube). This presentation will air on October 16th at 1:00 P.M. and will offer additional insight into culturally diverse caregiving.
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