Cultural Competency and Caregiving

There are a lot of cultural elements to learn about from traditions, food, music, beliefs, clothing, and more. When a caregiver provides services for a client it is important to remember that the caregiver is a guest in the client’s home. A guest respects and honors the client’s wishes and understands that their cultural beliefs and values may be different from their own. Let’s take a look at some scenarios and definitions to further our understanding of the importance of cultural awareness. 

Cultural Competence is defined as “the ability to effectively interact with people from cultures different from one’s own, especially through a knowledge and appreciation of cultural differences.” (dictionary.com). 

Cultural Sensitivity is defined as “awareness and appreciation of the values, norms, and beliefs characteristic of a cultural, ethnic, racial, or other group that is not one’s own, accompanied by a willingness to adapt one’s behavior accordingly.” (dictionary.apa.org).

Scenario. You are a caregiver and your client is an elderly Arab man that you are meeting for the first time. Since you are left-handed when he opens the door you wave and offer your left hand for a handshake. He grimaces and withdraws from your greeting. Rather than get offended at being rejected you demonstrate cultural sensitivity by introducing yourself and asking specific questions about the greeting. Your client explains that in his culture the left hand is unclean and you never wave or shake with your left hand as it’s seen as a sign of disrespect. You both learn about each other and through effective communication and cultural sensitivity you further a positive relationship.

Cultural Humility is defined as “a humble and respectful attitude toward individuals of other cultures that pushes one to challenge their own cultural biases, realize they cannot possibly know everything about other cultures, and approach learning about other cultures as a lifelong goal and process.” (study.com). 

Actions you can take to expand your cultural knowledge is to ask specific and relevant questions to people of different cultural backgrounds you meet and interact with, have effective communication, be open-minded in learning new things, and do basic research to learn more about common cultural values and beliefs. Remember to be yourself and act genuine. Being culturally competent doesn’t mean you have to be someone you aren’t or that can reflect negatively on others. It is key to never assume anything and remember if you are in another person’s home you are their guest. Being a good host is just as important if you are having guests to visit. By using your best judgment and common sense you can build successful relationships. 

Sources:

Cultural Competence: https://www.dictionary.com/e/historical-current-events/cultural-competence/

Cultural Sensitivity: https://dictionary.apa.org/cultural-sensitivity

Cultural Humility: https://study.com/academy/lesson/cultural-humility-definition-example.html