Fatmeh Bakhit | Al Enteshar Newspaper
Home health care constitutes a critical component of the healthcare system, especially within the Arab American and Muslim communities in the United States.
These communities are characterized by unique cultural and social dynamics that significantly influence both access to and the nature of health care. Understanding these nuances is essential to appreciate the specialized service provided by caregivers such as Ramma Mohammed.
Cultural dimensions of time and social interaction
In Arab culture, the concept of time and the nature of social interactions are distinctly different from Western norms.
Adnan Hammad, Ph.D., said that the Arab understanding of time tends to be more relaxed and unhurried, with a strong emphasis on politeness and generosity during social interactions.
This cultural perspective includes a sophisticated etiquette system for greetings and the formation of new acquaintances.
For health care providers like Ramma Mohammed, adapting to these cultural rhythms is not merely respectful but essential for effective care delivery.
Mohammed said: “Adapting to the cultural tempo and interaction expectations is crucial—it allows me to provide care that is perceived as thoughtful and thorough by my clients.”
Family dynamics influencing health care decisions
The structure and influence of the Arab family play a pivotal role in health-related decision-making.
According to Hammad, the individual’s identity within Arab society is often overshadowed by their family affiliations, where loyalty and obligations to the family supersede other social commitments. This emphasis on the extended family impacts how health care services are perceived and utilized.
Ramma said “Health decisions in our community often involve extensive family discussions, reflecting the significant role the family plays in such matters. It’s about respecting and integrating the family’s perspective into the care process.”
Overcoming language and cultural barriers
Language and cultural barriers present significant challenges in accessing health care for Arab Americans and Muslims.
Inhorn M. notes that addressing these obstacles, particularly in targeted health programs like breast-cancer screening, significantly enhances health access for Arabic-speaking populations.
Ramma confronts these barriers daily and stresses the importance of cultural competence, stating: “My fluency in Arabic and my understanding of cultural specifics are vital in bridging health care gaps. It involves more than translation — it’s about comprehending and addressing the underlying cultural contexts of health concerns.”
The impact of home health care providers
Home health care providers have become increasingly prevalent in Arab American communities, reflecting a cultural alignment with the community’s values regarding family and privacy.
These caregivers provide crucial support that extends beyond conventional medical interventions; they embody a comforting presence that honors and integrates the family’s dignity and cultural practices into daily care routines.
The impact of such caregivers is profound, particularly in how they enhance the quality of life for their clients.
Ramma, for example, adapts traditional caregiving techniques to accommodate personal and cultural preferences, which might include preparing culturally specific meals or using language that resonates more personally with her clients.
“Offering care in a way that feels familiar and respectful to my clients not only improves their physical health but also their emotional well-being,” she said.
Navigating social and cultural barriers
Navigating the social and cultural barriers present in the Arab American and Muslim communities requires a deep understanding of the values and expectations that govern these societies.
Mohammed confronts these challenges by engaging with both the patient and their extended family, ensuring that her approach to care is collaborative and respectful.
One of the primary challenges is the initial resistance from families who may view external caregiving as a failure of their duties. Mohammed addresses this by emphasizing her role as a support to the family, rather than a replacement.
She explained, “I start by listening, understanding their routines, and showing respect for their ways of doing things. This helps in gradually building trust.”
Ramma also faces cultural nuances around gender and authority, which require careful navigation. Being a female caregiver, she must be sensitive to the preferences for same-gender care in some conservative families, adapting her approach to ensure comfort and respect for boundaries.
A specific example of how Ramma offers emotional support and comfort can be seen in her interactions with a client who was struggling with the isolation that often accompanies aging.
Recognizing the client’s loneliness, Ramma arranged to schedule her visits to coincide with the times when the client felt most alone. During these visits, Ramma would engage in conversations about the client’s past, listen to stories about their youth, and discuss shared cultural memories, which significantly lifted the client’s spirits.
Moreover, Ramma facilitated video calls with distant family members, using her own tablet, thus reconnecting her client with loved ones. This not only provided comfort but also reassured the family that their elder was receiving care that went beyond just medical needs.
“It’s about creating moments of joy and connection. My goal is to make sure they feel cared for in all aspects of their lives,” Mohammed reflected.
CalGROWS
Home health care providers like Ramma Mohammed are indispensable in the Arab American and Muslim communities. They extend beyond mere providers of medical services; they are integral to maintaining cultural integrity and respecting community values.
Their work is deeply embedded in understanding and navigating the complex interplay of family loyalty, cultural identity, and community norms. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities, home health care providers deliver services that do more than sustain physical health — they reinforce the cultural and social foundations of the community they serve.
Calgrows is a state program that allows home health workers, like Mohammed, to earn up to $6,000 for learning and using new skills. However, time is running out for caregivers to sign up, as the program ends in August.
Caregivers can sign up for the program online at CalGROWS.org, by phone at (888) 991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows.org.
