2.2 Explain how the beliefs, religion and culture of individuals and key people influence end of life care.

Social perspectives

A persons social perspective is influenced by a number of different social factors. The social relationships a service user has could cause them to worry about the impact their death will have on others such as family, friends, children & colleagues. This worry & concern is often referred to as 'social pain' & a service user may include the following:

.loss of relationships: their social placement within the family unit (as a father, mother, grandparent)
.loss of role within their community
.worry about how their family will cope emotionally, psychologically &socially after their death.
.worry about how their
Its important to the dying person that close family members are present & it is common for the family to stay by the individuals bedside & to be involved in their care as death approaches. The family may also insist on a service users eldest son being present, even if the eldest son is a very small child.

The family may call a Hindu Priest who will preform Holy rites with the dying person . These may include tying of the blessed thread around the neck or wrist of the service user. Holy water from the granges is usually sprinkled over them or used to wet their lips. A sacred Tulsi leaf may be placed in the service users mouth. It is if death is iminant that the family are aware so that they can carry out these important rituals. The family may also wish to place the person on the floor during the final few breaths in order that their body can be returned back to nature.

Some Hindus are very strict about who touches the body after death& some family members may feel distressed if a non Hindu touches it, Close family members usually wash the body & their wishes to do so must always be respected.

Islam

Muslims believe that there is life after death. They believe that when they die they will be judged by their actions. Good deeds will be paid by everlasting life in heaven & bad deeds will be repaid with everlasting life in hell.

When a person of the Muslim Faith is dying,