I think that a very important issue in long-term healthcare is people’s different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. This is a very important issue for people, and if it is not handled properly then the clients will not feel comfortable. I believe that when each patient is admitted in to an assisted living facility there should be a form to fill out that tells what the person religious, ethnic and cultural beliefs and practices are in great detail. For instances if a person is Jewish don’t just write done that they are Jewish, but instead figure out to what extent do they follow their religion and culture. Ask if they only eat kosher food, do they celebrate any holidays, do they observe Shabbat? These are very important things to that person, and it would be a huge deal for them is they were forced to compromise any of their beliefs and customs, because they were not given an option. Another example is Muslim women. Because of their religious beliefs they would prefer to not be examined by a male, so that would be something that would need to be known to everyone at the facility. Also there are many different eating habits and holidays that would need to be understood as well. If someone is catholic you should find out if the practice lent, or do they attend mass? These are all very legitimist and very important questions that could very easily be answered and taken care of. I believe that you must always keep in mind the little things that have made up these peoples lives. They are already giving up a lot by living in a facility, so you would not want them to also have to give up their religious and cultural beliefs as well. For many older people they do not care about all of the new technology and medical advances that may help them, but rather it is all of the things that made up who they are and how they have lived their lives that it important to them now. So during the last years of their lives you should try to make sure that they are still allowed to be themselves.
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