Working for the last six years as a health care assistant in long-term care and palliative care has given me insight into how different cultures view aging, end-of-life care, and the dying process. I’ve seen not only how patients are cared for, but also how families experience grief and support their loved ones during and after death. Working with this population has allowed me to gain experience and appreciate the importance of culturally sensitive care. Also, recognizing that the needs of both patients and families are deeply influenced by cultural beliefs, traditions, and practices around dying.
