Diverse populations call for a diverse perspective!
As we enter a New Year full of hope and good intentions, we can easily get bogged down in the day to day routine as to forget those high hopes and good intentions.
One of the areas the industry needs to get better at is cultural sensitivity.
The minority population is growing in assisted and nursing facilities and sometimes the culture and background of the staff do not match that of the residents. No amount of consistent assignment will bridge language, culture, race and ethnicity barriers.
Yes doing a better job at hiring for fit could help but we also need to get better at cultural sensitivity training. Becoming more attuned to the needs of our residents is a key tenet of culture change. You cannot be person-centered without first being person-aware. Aware of differences. Aware of similarities. Training can help.
And here is something to consider, the number of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals over the age of 65 is expected to double over the next few decades. Policies around this population have not been developed and because of that caring for LGBT seniors is hampered because of social isolation, poor health outcomes, unequal treatment under the law and diminished economic security.
So we have a lot of work ahead of us compounded by an industry in turmoil. Yet we should never lose focus of our ultimate customer - the patient, resident, elder who deserves to age in grace and dignity.
Learn more ~ or join the conversation!
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@Compassionate Eye Foundation/Chris Newton/OJO Images Ltd
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