Human Needs, Culture & Diversity

All of us have unique needs and backgrounds. We look different from each other; we have different cultural backgrounds, religions, ages, social classes, financial statuses, occupations, interests, and families. We may speak different languages. We have different values, or thoughts on what is important to us. What makes each of us the same, each human being the same as the next, is that we have the same basic physical and psychological needs. This module will explore the basic physical and psychological needs of humans. It will also look at how culture influences people’s behavior, values, and health care practices. You will gain some basic information about a variety of cultures and religions with whom you may work if you choose a to pursue a career as a Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide. During this module, you will learn a variety of communication skills to use in working with patients, and how to best develop a positive working relationship with patients. We will also explore how to document observations and the work done with patients. Finally, you will learn about the different types of abuse, the signs to look for, and how to report suspicions of abuse. We will also discuss the importance of patient rights and how best to support the rights of patients.

Module 2 consists of 3 separate sections, each containing multiple subtopics and corresponding breakout activities. These activities are meant to help you review the material from that unit You can repeat the activity as many times as you want as they do not count toward your overall grade. When you are ready, complete the Post-Test at the end of the module. The Post-Test is a graded activity and will be factored into your overall grade.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

We all need oxygen, food, water, sleep, and a safe shelter. We all also have psychosocial needs, which involve our social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs. These needs may differ from one person to the next; but we all have them. When our needs go unmet, we may react in different ways. Some people become depressed, some anxious, some afraid, and some may even become angry and lash out at the people around them. When people become stressed, their physical health also is affected, and they may develop physical problems that could lead to illness.

Without meeting basic human needs, a person cannot develop to their fullest potential. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides are in a unique position to help the people they work with. These individuals help them to meet their physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs so that they can live to their fullest potential.

Abraham Maslow was a researcher of human behavior. He developed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This model shows us the importance of the physical and psychosocial needs of humans. The needs are arranged in a hierarchy, which means they are arranged in order of importance. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is arranged in a pyramid made up of five levels. These include: Physical Needs, Safety and Security Needs, Need for Love and Belonging, Need for Self-esteem, and Need for Self-actualization. Let’s explore what each of these levels means and how Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can help their patients achieve their needs at each level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Without meeting basic human needs, a person cannot develop to their fullest potential. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides are in a unique position to help the people they work with. These individuals help them to meet their physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs so that they can live to their fullest potential.

Abraham Maslow was a researcher of human behavior. He developed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This model shows us the importance of the physical and psychosocial needs of humans. The needs are arranged in a hierarchy, which means they are arranged in order of importance. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is arranged in a pyramid made up of five levels. These include: Physical Needs, Safety and Security Needs, Need for Love and Belonging, Need for Self-esteem, and Need for Self-actualization. Let’s explore what each of these levels means and how Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can help their patients achieve their needs at each level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.