In this written assignment, you have the opportunity to share your thoughts about how to deliver client-centered culturally competent care and work collaboratively with others. Mrs. G. is a 75 year old Hispanic woman who has been relatively well all of her life. She had been married for 50 years and had five children. Her children are grown with families of their own. All but one of her children live in other states. Mrs. G.’s husband passed away last year, which was devastating for her. She had been very close to him and relied upon him for everything. He was “the life of the party” she always said and was a loving and caring man. Since his passing, Mrs. G. has continued to live in the house they shared for 35 years. In the last month, Mrs. G. has fallen twice sustaining injuries, though minimal. Her home health nurse comes weekly to check in on her. Mrs. G. likes her very much and wishes she could come more often. Mrs. G.’s daughter who lives in the next town over, has been worried and decided with the urging of her siblings and the doctor to start looking for an assisted living facility for her mother. She found one last week and talked with the Director who said she would be happy to help in whatever way was best. The daughter decided to tell her mother that it was time for her to move, so she can be cared for and be safe. When she told her mother, Mrs. G. cried and said, “This will not happen ever. I plan to stay in this house of loving memories for the remainder of my life.” In 3 – 4 pages answer the following questions:

Delivering client-centered culturally competent care and working collaboratively with others is crucial in providing effective healthcare to individuals from diverse backgrounds. In the case of Mrs. G, a 75-year-old Hispanic woman, understanding and addressing her cultural values and preferences are essential for developing a care plan that respects her autonomy and supports her emotional well-being.

To effectively deliver client-centered care to Mrs. G, it is important to consider her background and personal experiences. As a Hispanic woman, Mrs. G may have unique cultural beliefs, traditions, and values that should be acknowledged and respected. For instance, the strong importance of family ties in Hispanic culture may explain Mrs. G’s desire to remain in her home of 35 years, which is filled with memories of her deceased husband. This cultural value suggests that Mrs. G highly values the continuity and familiarity that her home provides, as well as the emotional support from her family and community.

In order to work collaboratively with Mrs. G and her family, healthcare professionals should approach the situation with empathy, open-mindedness, and active listening skills. The daughter’s decision to start looking for an assisted living facility was likely motivated by concern for her mother’s safety and well-being, but it is essential to understand Mrs. G’s perspective and reasons for wanting to remain in her home. By actively listening and validating Mrs. G’s emotions, healthcare professionals can create a trusting and supportive relationship with her.

Furthermore, it is important to involve Mrs. G in the decision-making process and respect her autonomy. In this case, Mrs. G expressed her strong desire to stay in her home, which should be considered when developing a care plan. While the daughter and healthcare professionals may have valid concerns about her safety, it is essential to explore alternative options that meet both Mrs. G’s desire to remain in her home and her need for adequate care and support. Collaborative decision-making can be facilitated through open communication, shared decision-making tools, and involving a cultural mediator if necessary. This approach ensures that the care plan is tailored to Mrs. G’s individual needs and preferences while also addressing the concerns of her family and healthcare team.

Culturally competent care also involves understanding and addressing the unique health beliefs and practices of the patient’s cultural background. In the case of Mrs. G, it would be important to assess her understanding of aging, health, and healthcare. Hispanic cultures often prioritize holistic health, which incorporates physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By considering Mrs. G’s cultural background and perspective, healthcare professionals can develop a care plan that aligns with her values and enhances her overall well-being. For example, incorporating activities that promote emotional well-being, such as reminiscence therapy or engaging in cultural traditions, may help Mrs. G cope with the loss of her husband and maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Lastly, ongoing communication and collaboration with Mrs. G’s family, healthcare professionals, and other support systems are critical for providing effective care. Regular discussions and updates with Mrs. G’s daughter, as well as involving her in care decisions, can help alleviate concerns and ensure a shared understanding of the care plan. Additionally, collaborating with Mrs. G’s home health nurse and exploring the possibility of increasing the frequency of visits may provide additional support and reassurance to Mrs. G.

In conclusion, delivering client-centered culturally competent care involves understanding and respecting the cultural values and preferences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. In the case of Mrs. G, it is important to acknowledge her desire to remain in her home while also addressing her needs for care and support. By engaging in collaborative decision-making, actively listening, and incorporating her cultural beliefs and practices, healthcare professionals can develop a care plan that respects Mrs. G’s autonomy and enhances her overall well-being. Ongoing communication and collaboration with her family and healthcare team will contribute to the success of the care plan.