Cultural background and spiritual beliefs help to shape a person’s identity and values, while also bringing comfort and community. It is important to honour these aspects of life for people living with dementia to provide person-centred care that supports dignity, belonging and emotional wellbeing.
A person’s cultural identity may influence how they view their health and their approach to ageing and memory loss. It may also influence their food preferences, dress, social customs and even the way they express pain or emotion.
Dementia may cause a person’s cultural identity to change: they may revert to their first language or earlier cultural habits, especially when under stress. Failing to recognise the cultural identity of a person with dementia can lead to misunderstanding their needs, reducing the level of trust and potentially resulting in greater isolation.
Spirituality provides comfort, connection and meaning for many, and people with dementia may wish to engage with religious practices, prayer, music, rituals or time for quiet reflection throughout their dementia journey. Supporting their spiritual needs can help to ease anxiety, provide reassurance and improve their quality of life. Even as dementia progresses, familiar hymns may be remembered, religious objects recalled or visits from spiritual leaders welcomed.
Understanding and responding to a person’s cultural and spiritual life can bring comfort, identity, and peace, even in the later stages of dementia. Here are some practical ways of offering support:
• Use of familiar language and culturally appropriate communication.
• Observing dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Incorporating meaningful music, rituals or celebrations.
• Allowing time and space for prayer or spiritual reflection within any care plan.
• Involving family or community figures who understand the beliefs or heritage of the person with dementia.
• Use of memory aids, photos or storytelling from the person’s cultural background.
Everyone deserves the chance to live well with dementia, no matter their background, language or community. To find out more about our work with underserved communities, click here.