Another interesting concept about Mexican-American culture is their emphasis on hospitality when a visitor enters their home. When making a home visit, you may be offered a refreshment. Spirituality is highly regarded by some African Americans and they trust their reverend or religious leader. Non-religious supports are usually family members. A key aspect in working with African-American dementia patients and families is respect.
Respect means having genuine interest in learning about the individual and family.
For example, exploring a patient's spiritual beliefs and being sensitive to their practices can only help the relationship. This may either be a possible research angle to obtain a cure for dementia or a symptom of the failure to assess the actual amounts of dementia. The traditional Native-American practice is to value the interdependency of people. Within this group individuals are given freedom, but are still reminded of the connectiveness between people. With this in mind this ethnic group is probably supportive of older adults and is likely to pull together resources to help the family cope.