On Cultural Sensitivity

I enjoyed reading the article about Cultural Specific Care on the ALFA Update site. I have a sweet story to share. Minna was a tiny Chinese lady who resided in a memory care unit of a nursing home. The staff had told me not to include her as she didn't speak English. Because I like a challenge I paid special attention to her. After our Benevolent Ballet class, which she thoroughly enjoyed , she hurried back to her room. A few minutes later she handed me a tiny package wrapped in a paper napkin. Inside were two pennies for which I gratefully thanked her! This was repeated after each class. Either because Minna ran out of pennies or because her condition was deteriorating this gift became her dessert cookie, a pudding cup and finally a cup of melted ice cream! The Asian custom of reciprocal gift giving was ingrained in her spirit. I'll always remember dear Minna.