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Everyone has a culture. The provider brings an ethnic and/or national culture to a clinical encounter, in addition to the biomedical culture. Approaching the older adult as a cultural equal will reduce conflict between cultures. A sense of humour about small misunderstandings is crucial. Asking for explanations about the patient’s culture and offering explanations to the patient about the biomedical culture shows goodwill and a desire to communicate. None of the cultures involved are problems to be overcome. Rather, they are opportunities for sharing.

Table 8.7 ETHNIC(S) mnemonic for improving communication.

Explanation Treatment Healers Negotiate Intervention Collaborate Spirituality/seniors

Be prepared to address potential cultural differences when they arise. Not all patients identify strongly with their ethnic culture. Educational level, dominant language, religion, gender, year of immigration, and even personality may have more of an effect on interactions with health care providers than cultural identity.⁵⁹ The best way to find out what influences the patients’ cultures have on their health is to ask them directly and listen carefully to what they have to say.