Cultural Considerations in End-of-Life Care

PRESENTERS:

Bridget Burke, LMSW, LGSW – JSSA

Maria Kaplan, RN, BSN, CHPN – JSSA

Understanding cultural beliefs and values helps care providers more fully support individuals as a whole person and ensure their wishes are respected during the last phase of life. Past losses, levels of education or experience, spiritual and religious beliefs, and personal philosophies may all affect feelings, reactions to, and expressions about dying. Special consideration to the unique experience of Holocaust survivors is highlighted.

Topics such as pain management, food and drink, trust in the healthcare system, views on the afterlife and resuscitation call for sensitive and compassionate dialogue. By embracing unique cultural backgrounds, dying and death is more likely to be meaningful and peaceful.

*One Category I CEU provided for Social Workers.