Work Effectively with cultural diverse clients and co- workers HLTHIR403C By Cherylyn Brooker

What does the word culture mean to you? Culture - a collection of behaviours and beliefs that distinguish one group of people from another. Culture is developed and passed on to others through formal and informal stories (such as fairy tales, folk stories, art poetry, literature and movies), education, family life, religion, government, media, social activity, work and law. We identify a person’s culture by their obvious behavioural differences. What is cultural diversity? Cultural diversity - means a range of people of different origins, religions and traditions all living and interacting together. Include – gender, age, socio-economic, history, language, sexual preferences, education Benefits - food, music, fashion, beliefs, lifestyles, languages

Older person’s cultural belief v’s aged care workers belief Attitudes to health and health care practise Death and mourning rituals Food preferences and preparation Sexual preferences Religious practises and beliefs Beliefs about gender, family, age and aging and disability Lifestyle choices Family types Personal values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have cultural needs specific to their experiences of colonisation, previous contact with organisations and their cultural connection

Is religion culture? Culture and religion are both social forces Culture: - social forces within a community involving its conventions for: - food preparation techniques - forms of entertainment e.g. music, dancing, dating rituals Religion: - how community members interpret their role in the universe based on local culture and a collection of beliefs - different religions rise out of different cultures

Are the residents cultural beliefs important when considering their care? Why? The consequence of not considering the older person’s cultural background and practise could lead to fear and anxiety, due to the failure of the health care worker to treat the resident holistically. Aged care workers require: Tolerance Anti- discrimination Acceptance Understanding Culturally competent aged care workers will be able to help older people feel culturally safe by providing a culturally inclusive environment.

What is cultural bias? Cultural bias results from the interpretation and judgement of another persons culture by standards formed from our own culture -E.g. Western culture associates direct eye contact as assertiveness, attention and honesty -Australian Aboriginals regard direct eye contact as a sign of rudeness, disrespect and aggression - Asian, African and Latin American countries extended eye contact can be an affront or a challenge of authority - Japanese women avoid eye contact to show respect, politeness and appropriateness

Why is it important for us as carer’s to be aware of any cultural bias we may have? Aged care workers require tolerance, anti- discrimination, acceptance and understanding in delivering care to older people. The consequences of not taking into account the older person’s cultural background and practises could lead to fear and anxiety and oppositional behaviour from the older person and their family.

Is it wrong to have bias? Bias means you form an opinion based on your background and your evidence, using subconscious thinking. You look for information that supports your existing beliefs Surround yourself with a diverse group of people, and don’t be afraid to listen to others Avoid acting hastily or jumping to conclusions Rely on accurate information to make a decision It is essential to look at situations and the people involved in them, non-judgmentally

Multicultural Australia The Australian Government’s 2003 multicultural principles: 1.Responsibility of all 2.Respect for each person 3.Fairness for each person 4.Benefits for all The Australian Government’s new multicultural policy was launched in 2011, and involved 4 principles: 1.Celebrate and value the benefits of cultural diversity 2.Commit to a just, inclusive and socially cohesive society for all 3.Recognise the economic, trade and investment benefits of immigration 4.Promote understanding and acceptance, and respond to racism and discrimination

Consider this: Remember our discussion on eye contact Different cultures may have different meaning for body language based on gender Informal rules for politeness and greetings may vary between cultures Shaking your head often means no, but not always Controlled emotional expression can demonstrate strength in one setting and weakness in another The rules for touch are culturally sensitive Speaking and moving quickly has negative connotations in some cultures

What is cultural safety? Cultural safety refers to creating an inclusive environment for older people where they feel able to express their culture, and be accepted. Unsafe cultural practise is any action that diminishes, demeans or disempowers the cultural identity and wellbeing of an individual or group. Traumatic experiences that may influence older people. They may have: -Escaped as refugees from war -Have experienced loss of loved ones, torture, fear or starvation -They may have been a part of ‘the stolen generation’

Understanding our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s Include the family as much as possible in their care Provide opportunities for the community to visit regularly Be aware that some topics can only be spoken about by specific genders Discuss privacy with Aboriginal people, as it can have a different significance Aboriginal people often prefer to discuss their requirements rather than be provided with written information Use everyday language; not jargon Take the time to listen to the person and their family Encourage them to talk about their culture Display Aboriginal art work, their flag and Indigenous items Celebrate NAIDOC week

In conclusion… Developing awareness, empathy and relevant skills will enable aged care workers to better provide support and services to culturally diverse older people, and be committed to resolving cross-cultural misunderstandings if they arise. Thank you for sharing this cultural diversity experience with me. Cherylyn Brooker