Why Backgrounds Shape Better Care

Personalised care isn’t just about adjusting schedules or services. It’s about understanding a person’s background—culture, traditions, habits, and values—and making care decisions that fit those realities.

A report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that more than 40% of the population identifies with a racial or ethnic group other than white. As the senior population grows, the variety of backgrounds in home care will keep increasing. Providers who ignore that fact risk offering care that feels generic, impersonal, or even uncomfortable.

The Impact on Client Happiness and Health

When care respects a person’s background, trust grows quickly. Trust leads to better cooperation and honest communication. That means caregivers learn about preferences, health needs, and potential concerns earlier.

A caregiver once noticed a client was uneasy during meal prep. Instead of pushing the menu, they asked about it. The client explained that certain foods conflicted with religious rules. Meals were adjusted, and the client’s appetite and mood improved.

Similar adjustments—like aligning daily routines with prayer times or preserving important cultural rituals—can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and even lower health risks.

The Cost of Ignoring Personal Histories

Ignoring cultural or personal backgrounds can create barriers.

• Resistance to care: Clients may reject help they see as disrespectful. 
• Miscommunication: Instructions can be misunderstood if language or customs are not taken into account. 
• Isolation: Clients may feel disconnected from caregivers or avoid activities entirely. 
• Health setbacks: Poor nutrition, skipped medications, or increased anxiety can result. 

These risks aren’t abstract—they’re common problems in care settings that lack cultural awareness.

Lessons from the Field

Care teams that adapt to individual backgrounds see better results. A team member from Certified Home Nursing Solutions recalled a client who never attended group activities. Certified Home Nursing Solutions found out the sessions clashed with the client’s long-standing morning tradition of quiet reading. Shifting activities to later in the day changed participation from zero to regular attendance.

Another example: a caregiver working with a client from a farming family integrated outdoor walks and light gardening into the care plan. These small changes boosted physical activity and sparked positive conversations.

Building Personalised Care Through Background Awareness

Step 1: Start with Conversation

Ask open-ended questions:

• “What’s a normal day for you?” 
• “Are there customs or traditions we should follow?” 
• “What foods or activities are important to you?” 

Step 2: Document and Share

Write these preferences into the care plan. Make sure every team member has access and follows them.

Step 3: Check In Regularly

Backgrounds influence care over time. Interests, routines, and needs can change. Revisit the care plan often.

Training for Cultural and Personal Awareness

Real-Life Scenarios

Use training sessions with examples based on actual cases. Caregivers can practise responding to different cultural needs.

Peer Learning

Encourage caregivers to share their own experiences of adapting care to match a client’s background.

Community Partnerships

Work with cultural or community groups to better understand traditions, values, and expectations.

Recommendations for Families

• Share detailed background information early in the care process. 
• Provide items, foods, or music that reflect your loved one’s traditions. 
• Explain the “why” behind customs so caregivers understand their importance. 
• Keep communication open to ensure care stays aligned with personal needs. 

Recommendations for Care Providers

• Make cultural and personal background a core intake requirement. 
• Offer regular training focused on cultural awareness and sensitivity. 
• Encourage caregivers to ask respectful questions and make adjustments. 
• Recognise and celebrate important cultural events for clients who wish to participate. 

The Future of Personalised Care

By 2030, one in five Americans will be over 65. Many will want care at home. The demand for services that recognise and respect diverse backgrounds will grow with this shift.

Personalised care based on background isn’t just a nice touch—it’s essential for health, dignity, and quality of life. Providers who master it will see stronger client relationships, better cooperation, and improved outcomes.

Final Word

Respecting backgrounds is about seeing the person, not just the patient. It’s asking, listening, and making adjustments that matter. In the home care world, these are the steps that turn a service into a partnership, and a routine into a relationship.