Culturally Appropriate Aged Care: What Does It Actually Look Like?

Choosing aged care for a parent can raise a difficult question: Will they still feel like themselves once they receive care? For CALD seniors, culturally appropriate care means more than meeting medical needs. It means understanding what matters to the individual and making sure those needs are reflected in everyday care. 

Language should not become a barrier

A senior should be able to explain their needs, understand their care, and communicate important decisions in a language they are comfortable using. This may mean access to a professional interpreter, translated information, or a worker who speaks their language. 

The Australian Government’s Actions to Support Older CALD People: A Guide for Aged Care Providers identifies language barriers as one of the challenges CALD older people can face when accessing and engaging with aged care. The guide encourages providers to understand and respond to individual communication needs. 

Make everyday care culturally relevant 

Culturally appropriate care can be as practical as asking, "What does this person normally eat? How do they practice their faith? What routines are important to them?”

For example, meals may need to reflect cultural or religious dietary requirements. A care plan might also allow time and space for prayer, religious observances, familiar music, or other meaningful routines. These details are part of supporting a person's identity, not optional extras.

Ask, don't assume 

Being culturally appropriate does not mean assuming that everyone from the same cultural background wants the same care. 

Instead, providers should ask the individual: What matters to you? Who would you like involved in your care? What would make you feel comfortable? 

Culturally appropriate care means asking the older person how they want their family involved, rather than making assumptions about who should speak for them. Providers can also learn by listening directly to seniors and their families about what respectful care means to them.

How AfCAS helps 

AfCAS works with aged care and other service providers to build their ability to deliver culturally appropriate care. Its services include cultural competency training, mentoring, and community engagement, helping organizations understand and respond to the needs of diverse communities. Its approach helps organizations identify gaps and better understand the communities they serve.

Culturally appropriate care is ultimately personalized care without assumptions: listening to each person, understanding what matters to them, and reflecting those needs in the care they receive.

If you are looking for culturally appropriate aged care support or want to learn more about improving services for CALD communities, visit AfCAS.