1. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of LifeBy
Maria T. Hrubes
Old Dominion University

2. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
Purpose :
To develop effective strategies of coping with Haitian clients by increasing my awareness of the cultural differences of the Haitian culture especially End of Life Issues ( aging, grieving, death, and dying).

3. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
FACTS ABOUT HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Constitute 1.5 % of the total U.S. foreign born population
Haitian immigrants total population 605,000 in 2012 alone
Considered 4th largest immigrant group from the Caribbean

4. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
HAITIAN CONCEPT OF HEALTH Many Haitians believe that God is the ultimate decider of health, illness, life and death. This belief may be manifested as passivity concerning health decisions. -Si Bondye Vle / “God willing”

5. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
AGING
Aging in Haitian culture is closely associated with certain dependency and represents a state of vulnerability and fragility which requires constant attention and monitoring.

6. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
AGING
How younger members view the elderly :
Family rules and roles dictate that elderly persons are highly respected.
Elders are the family advisors, babysitters, historians, and consultants.
It is considered an honor for the child when parents select that child’s home as residence.

7. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
AGING
Who provides care when needed:
Children should provide and care for their elders.
They are never left alone. Leaving them is a sign of abandonment and neglect.
Haitians usually care for elders at home, despite the challenges posed by children who work outside the home.
Small percentage reluctantly decide to place elders in nursing homes.

8. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
AGING
Who makes the decisions regarding care of elders:
Decisions are usually made by or with the input of the family.
Many Haitians believe that what one member of the family does
affects the entire family.
Female elders often weigh heavily in health decision-making.
Elders are often the first person to learn of a complaint/illness, as many
consult elders for treatments and home remedies before seeing a doctor.

9. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
DYING
When death is impending, entire family will assemble at the bedside.
The whole extended family is mobilized. They pray and cry uncontrollably even hysterically.
Family members try to meet spiritual needs of dying person by bringing religious medallions, pictures of saints, or fetishes/talisman for protection or good luck for a peaceful death and restful afterlife.

10. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
DYING
Relatives and friends expend considerable effort to be present when death is near.
Dying person’s kinsman usually make arrangements.
Kinsman also arranges pre-burial activities
Purchase of coffin
Prayer services before funeral
Funeral and burial services

11. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
DEATH
When a person dies, the oldest family member makes all the arrangements and notifies the family. The body is kept until the entire family can gather.
The moment of death is marked by ritual wailing among family members, friends, and neighbors.
The last bath is usually given by a family member.
Family members come from away to sleep at the house, and friends and neighbors congregate in the yard.

12. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
DEATH
Generally prefer to be cared for, and die at home.
However, since immigrating to U.S., Haitians have accepted death at the hospital because of the heavy burden that terminal illness imposes on family.
Health care providers should allow family members to participate in postmortem care if this is not too disruptive for the nursing unit.

13. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
DEATH
Views about Organ Donation:
Since the body is thought to be necessary for resurrection, organ donation and cremation are not allowed. Many Haitians believe in life after death, for which the body should be intact.
Views about Autopsy:
Autopsy is allowed only if the death occurred as a result of wrong doing, or to confirm that the body is actually dead and not a zombie.

14. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
DEATH
Death Rituals:
Veye - Not only do friends and family get together immediately after the death, but they additionally meet before the funeral to grieve and remember the deceased.
Dernie Priye - is a special service consisting of seven consecutive days of prayer. Usually takes place in the home. Purpose is to facilitate passage of the soul from the world to the next.
Prise de Deuil - This mass, held on the seventh day postmortem, officially commences the mourning process.

15. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
DEATH
Death Rituals:
Close family members wear white or black. The wearing of bright colors such as red is not considered an expression of mourning.  It is preferable to wear dark colors such as blue, purple, and brown to attend a funeral.
A gathering of family members and close friends at the home of the deceased to pray and to offer support.
A wake is held at the home of the deceased every night from the time of the death to the time of the burial. At the wake, they chat, eat, drink, and share jokes.
A viewing is followed by the funeral service and burial.

16. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
GRIEVING
Many Haitians express grief with the physical manifestation of great emotion.
After a church funeral and burial begins the nine-day mourning period, in which relatives and neighbors of the deceased gather nightly to mourn, chant Catholic texts, socialize, recreate and cajole the dead (with food) to take leave of the living for the world of the ancestors.
The family does not express grief aloud until most of the deceased's possessions have been removed from the home.

17. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
GRIEVING
The family does not express grief aloud until most of the deceased's possessions have been removed from the home.
At least for a year after the death of a family member, they are only allowed to wear white or black .

18. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
CULTURAL VARIATIONS
Culture and beliefs vary depending upon family traditions, regional differences, and exposure to the practices of other cultures such as Catholicism, which is the official religion of Haiti.

19. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
REFERENCES
Colin, J. (2010). Cultural and Clinical Care for Haitians. Retrieved from:
Only_pdf
De Silva, A. M., & Nicolas, G. (2006). Using a multicultural lens to understand
illness among haitians living in america. Professional Psychology Research
Practice. 37 (6)
Frederique, D., personal communication. July 10, 2016. :.

20. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
REFERENCE
Fournier, A. M. (2012). Voudou Saints: Lessons on Life, Death and
Resurrection from Haiti. B & B Press. U.S.A.
Holcomb,L.O. , Pansons,L. C.. Giger, J.N., & Davidhizar, R. (1996). Haitian
americans: implications for nursing care. Journal of Community Health
Nursing. 13 (4)
Richman, K. (2007). Peasants, migrants and the discovery
of african traditions: ritual and social change in lowland
haiti. Journal of Religion in Africa – 397.

21. Haitian Cultural Viewpoint of the End of Life
Honor code statement: “I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the academic community it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.” Name: Maria T, Hrubes Date : July 14, 2016 Signature: MH