[Multi-cultural] Honouring traditions: Integrating cultural wisdom into palliative care – Saif Mohammed

[Multi-cultural] Honouring traditions: Integrating cultural wisdom into palliative care - Saif Mohammed 
ehospice; by Saif Mohammed; 3/10/25
[Personal Story] ... "Reflecting on this experience, I realize that caregiving is deeply embedded in tradition and culture, a natural extension of communal life." Caregiving is as old as humanity itself. One of the earliest known cases of palliative care dates back 45,000 years to Shanidar 1, a Neanderthal male found in present-day Iraq. His skeletal remains indicated severe injuries, yet he had survived for decades, suggesting that his community had cared for him. This example highlights that palliative care is a deeply human and historical practice, far predating modern medicine. Cultures around the world continue to recognize the importance of caregiving, often embedding it in traditions and religious beliefs. ... In some societies, the emphasis on independence can make caregiving more complex, as patients may refuse assistance to maintain self-sufficiency. ... Palliative care workers must be equipped to understand and respect the cultural traditions of the communities they serve. This requires training in cultural competence, which involves:

1. Exploring Cultural Beliefs and Practices ...
2. Respecting Diversity Without Imposing Norms ...
3. Being Mindful of One’s Own Cultural Biases ...
4. Adapting Care Strategies ...