Ensuring residents receive the best possible care is the ultimate goal of assisted living. As Melissa Powell, COO of Genesis Healthcare, writes in an article for Chief Healthcare Executive, “The imperative for cultural competence speaks to the very essence of quality of life, having a profound impact on health outcomes, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction among older adults.” Assisted living education programs in cultural competency help administrators improve outcomes by training staff to understand and respond to these non-medical factors that can affect healthcare.
Cultural competency is more than honoring heritage days, offering cultural activities, or providing ethnic cuisine in the dining hall. When a staff member communicates in a way that respects a person’s identity and beliefs, it can boost their emotional and social well-being and reduce stress, especially important during health challenges. The resident feels understood. Integrating a resident’s traditions or spiritual beliefs into their care plan can enhance their overall quality of life. Reducing language barriers can improve understanding of complex medical issues.
With person-centered care, the unique needs of each individual are considered. In addition to a person’s medical issues and overall health, his or her experiences, lifestyle, ethnic background, language, family life, and culture can affect how care is received. Cultural competency in assisted living education programs typically address determinants of health, such as income, education, race, ethnicity, religion, and gender. Topics may include:
- How to overcome language and communication barriers
- How race and ethnicity can affect access to health care
- How a person’s religion and culture influence their healthcare and end-of-life decisions
- How family dynamics and community play a role in supportive, person-centered care
- How implicit bias can affect patient interactions and outcomes
The best cultural competency assisted living education programs incorporate a multi-faceted approach, explaining cultural differences, building interpersonal communication skills, and promoting respect, empathy, and inclusion for all residents.
Staff members benefit from training in cultural competency, too. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), by being able to skillfully address the needs of various populations, staff members may demonstrate increased confidence and job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates. As the need for senior care skyrockets, retaining highly-trained staff is critical.
For assisted living administrators seeking an easy and convenient way to train their team in cultural competency, SeniorLivingU’s Anytime Learning Portal offers flexible online instruction created by leading senior care providers. Team members can access the Learning Management System (LMS) from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection on a tablet, laptop, or smart device and work at their own pace. The Anytime Learning Portal is priced by user and has different packages available, saving money as well as time. In addition to cultural competency, courses are available in four major areas (Clinical Training, Direct Care, Dementia, and Onboarding). Administrators can track progress and generate the reports they need to effectively manage their staff training.
Learn more about our assisted living education programs
From essential caregiving courses to specialized certifications, SeniorLivingU provides the senior living industry with expert professional development that is cost-effective and comprehensive. Learn more at seniorlivingu.com.