One reason for this may be that service systems are not responsive to the needs of minority clients. Cultural Competency Defined Cultural competency is a set of behaviors and attitudes integrated into the practices and policies of agencies or professional service providers that enables them to understand and work effectively in cross-cultural situations. Translating and integrating knowledge about individuals and groups of people into specific practices and policies applied in appropriate cultural settings can achieve cultural competence. When professionals are culturally competent, they establish positive, helping relationships that engage the client and improve the quality of services they provide. Cultural access providing information and services in languages or through media that facilitates delivery to minority elders.
Cultural acceptability Encouraging ethnic elders to actively seek services.
It is necessary to understand and adopt cultural concepts and to address structural and cultural barriers in designing culturally competent services. Therefore, service providers must appreciate not only how groups differ, but also how they are alike. Creating Culturally Competent Programs that Work Minority older persons need programs that emphasize service provision by staff who are culturally competent. In a society as diverse as the United States, health and social service providers and others who deliver services to older persons must be able to relate to and communicate with diverse clientele. They need to be aware of culturally influenced behaviors.