In successfully providing culturally competent care to older patients, nurses are a key component. They need to understand the significance of time in different cultures and be able to explain their own expectations of time. They need to know the diverse types of communication, including proper forms of address, taboo gestures, and when eye contact and physical contact is acceptable or prohibited by culture or religion. They need to understand the concept of family—what family members to communicate with and how to
communicate with them. They need to know the types of holidays and events that are important to older patients, including expected rituals and how they are celebrated. They also need to know food customs regarding restrictions and food pairings.