Each Culture Has Different Customs and Beliefs in End of Life

There may be cultural differences in end-of-life decision making as a result of underlying cultural values with disclosure of a terminal illness and very critically -use of life-sustaining medical treatment. With the widespread availability of advanced medical technology in the United States, people are encouraged to do everything possible to seek a cure for a life-threatening medical condition or sustain life. However, there are many other cultures for whom quality of life is more important than the length of life.

Other Cultures Do Not Follow US Medical Model

There are some societies, such as Japan, where a terminal illness may not be disclosed to a patient and it is culturally inappropriate to discuss impending or imminent death. For instance, among some Chinese, it is considered bad luck to discuss death because such talk may cause death to occur. Sometimes the ethnic elder is not expected to make healthcare decisions and the responsibility may be based on a traditional family hierarchy. For instance, in many Filipino families, there may be a designated decision-maker who is not the patient (e.g., the oldest son or a daughter or son who is a health professional) and who articulates the wishes of the elder or family.

Some Cultures Follow Religious  Customs and Beliefs in Death & Dying

Other end-of-life decisions are based on religious tenets. In many Catholic immigrant communities, there may be strong resistance to an advance directive because the document would signify a “loss of hope” or be interpreted as suicide, which is against church doctrine. These beliefs may also influence the use of hospice services.

 

Deliver a Good End of Life- Add Death and Dying to Your Care Management Agency

Serve Your Client until Death Do You Part

 

Join me Thursday March 11 and learn why End of Life Services Are a perfect new service for care managers

 

In this 1 ½ -hour webinar you will learn how to

 1.Transition the patient/family through the five stages of death

2.Help clients be active participants in their care

3.Give the family/caregiver tools to manage care

4. Provide family center care to caregiver and family

5. Choose the right support services through all stages of death

6.Introduce Hospice and Palliative care and work with their team

7. Use ALCA End of Life Benefits During COVID

8.Use  COVID -19  Family Coaching for GCM

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If you really want to add End of Life to your care management business sign up for this webinar now