3.g.ii Integration of Palliative Care into Nursing Homes, Module Four: Spiritual and Cultural Considerations for End-of-Life

This one hour module describes and identifies cultural and spiritual dimensions of care common in palliative care and at the end- of- life prevalent in the geriatric population.  A review is done on how the palliative care program provides care to patients, family and community in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, and how it is a goal of the palliative care program to always improve cultural competency.  An overview is provided on how the interdisciplinary team assesses and addresses spiritual, religious, and existential dimensions of care.  Also explored is how the team provides religious, spiritual and cultural practices as identified as important to the patient and family, particularly during and after the time of death.