There is scarcely a portion of the world left unvisited or unexplored, and the vast kaleidoscope of human cultures is available to all. There are considerable cultural variations between people of different faiths, ethnic backgrounds and national origins in their approach to terminal illness. It is, for instance, difficult to ensure cremation in a country where cremation is not allowed. There are further complications when individuals from an ethnic minority decide to ignore the tenets of their faith at the time of death. However much the carers know about other cultures and religions and their attitudes to palliative care, they must ask the patient about their preferences.
Many religions have very strict rules about food and modesty, which carers have to understand.