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Language
Groups - Spanish
General
Spanish
speaking people have come to Australia over many decades and from
many countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, El
Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Spain and Uruguay. Almost all
are Roman Catholics, however many are non-practising.
Religion
Roman
Catholic
Place of treatment
Home
is preferred, but hospital is acceptable if necessary. Nursing
homes and Hospices are not preferred.
Communication of
diagnosis/prognosis
The
news is usually given to the family, who may discuss this with
relatives, before deciding when and how the news will be given to
the patient. "Usually family members are protecting the
patient."
Role of
family/relatives/friends in
The
family has a strong influence regarding the patient's treatment
and where the patient will be looked after. They are very
supportive and usually quite involved with care. It is an expected
"role of life".
Role of health
professionals/volunteers
Professional
people are highly respected and welcome in the family home.
Their role is seen as clarifying, providing knowledge and
expertise. It is important never to make decisions with the
patient only, always check with the family first.
One
consultant was not sure about volunteers being welcome, due to the
family being very protective.
Attitudes to pain relief
There
are no taboos regarding medication.
The community attitude
towards euthanasia
Not
well received, as prescribed by religion.
Taboo words
The
words death and cancer should not be mentioned if the family has
not used these words.
Handling of the body
Opinion
varied. One consultant suggested that if a person dies at home,
"the body will be cared for by relatives, who will dress the
body". Another suggested that a funeral director be called.
Burial
Due
to the Catholic influence, there is usually a Mass followed by a
cemetery burial, not cremation.
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