A Voice Needs to be Heard: The Meaning of “Going Home”:

Background:This case report addresses a client from a minority cultural background in Australia and her complex cultural needs at the end of life.Case History:A 66-year-old Japanese female client diagnosed with renal cancer, and lung and spine metastasis shared her story. Since a left nephrectomy in 2007, she has had hemodialysis 3 days a week. She left Japan more than 30 years ago and moved to Australia 20 years ago. With the 6-month prognosis, she expressed her desire to “go home.” The meaning of “going home” was explored with the author who shares the same cultural background and language and is a palliative care nurse. The meanings for wanting to go home were her nostalgia for the traditional food, language, land, and death rituals.Discussion:The client identified her preferred place to die and discussed her death wishes. Open, honest communication with health professionals about her condition and prognosis facilitated meaningful discussions.Conclusion:The narrative demonstrates the complex issues and...