title: A celebration of cultures in a long-term care facility. A day of cultural awareness may help staff and residents forge stronger relationships through greater understanding.
abstract: Cultural interaction is older than the spice route. Groups of people require little encouragement to share "how we do things back home," as well as favorite foods, customs, and beliefs. This interchange is important in decreasing myths and stereotypes that occur between cultures. Identification of differences is an essential as the discovery of how people are alike. The acknowledgement of sameness promotes unity, but recognition of differences promotes cooperative effort. There is enormous strength in cultures working together, supplementing the limitations and talents of each other. This celebration of cultures was our attempt to encourage staff-resident interactions and strengthen relationships among staff, residents, and all departments. Although several years have passed, staff still speak of Cultural Awareness Day as having been a positive force in promoting good relationships. The day provided entertainment and valuable lessons for all.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Clermont
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Samter
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes; D016746:Transcultural Nursing / Q000379:methods*