Families

Families

           Families   The family has a considerable influence on the wellbeing of the individual and community. Healthcare providers must understand the meaning, type, structure, functions and culture of a family to deliver holistic care. A family is a social group comprising of people related through blood, marriage or adoption. The main types of families are nuclear, extended, single parent, stepparent and nontraditional families (Allender, Rector, & Warner, 2013). I belong to a nuclear family. The family comprises of my mother, father and siblings. We live in the same house.

            I believe that my value system is different from that of my parents and grandparents. The previous generations emphasized prudence, the importance of the extended family, utmost respect for authority figures, children as the caregivers for the elderly parents, marriage only between man and woman and marriage as a lifetime union. However, I do not hold most of these values. The main factors that have caused these differences in values are education, increased emphasis on individualism and heterogeneous communities. These factors have encouraged individuals to question most of the traditional values. A practicing nurse should consider the generational differences in values and beliefs to implement patient-centered care effectively. Patients are likely to reject or resist the planned clinical interventions if they conflict with their values and beliefs (Purnell, 2012). Knowledge of generational differences allows the nurse to accommodate patients’ needs and expectations and get them to participate fully in the care planning and implementation. Consequently, the nurse can individualize the care process to ensure the best outcomes.

            My community holds several traditional health beliefs and practices. First, health is the state of balance and harmony between the body, mind and spirit. Therefore, a healthy person should be free from any physical, psychological and emotional discomfort. Secondly, moderate obesity is a sign of health. On the other hand, thinness is a sign of poor health. Thirdly, the family is the most credible source of health-related information. Therefore, one should consult the family members regarding the most appropriate treatment for a medical condition. The mentioned beliefs are cultural beliefs. I continue to hold the belief regarding health and wellbeing. It guides me to deliver holistic nursing care. Illnesses cause not only physiological effects but also mental and spiritual effects. Therefore, the response to the three dimensions of the person is crucial.

            Family members and their upbringing have affected my health in several ways. First, their hygiene has affected my susceptibility to various communicable diseases. For example, every family member ensures to wash his or her hands thoroughly before handling food. This practice minimizes the risks of food contamination and the spread of various diseases. Secondly, the family members influence my healthcare decisions. I always discuss with my parent and siblings any major healthcare decision that I intend to make. I tend to discard or delay the planned actions if the family members disagree with them. Thirdly, the family members provide social support during difficult times. For example, my siblings comforted and helped me when one of my childhood friends died. Their support helped me to avoid stress and depression during the trying moments. Fourthly, my family is very religious. We pray a lot and share religious teachings, which enhance our spiritual awareness. This awareness has helped me to make meaning of life even during difficult moments when I am feeling hopeless and helpless. Consequently, my risks of developing stress and depression are low.