Growing Old Far From “Home”: Why Culturally Appropriate Aged Care Matters
Imagine not being able to tell your carer what hurts, what you need, and what bothers you with ease, not because nobody is listening, but because nobody speaks your language. This isn't hypothetical for an increasing number of older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It's daily life.
With Australia's ageing population, the aged care industry is facing a critical challenge: culturally insensitive, but clinically effective care. This is the area the Association for Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS) is dedicated to filling.
Who is AfCAS?
AfCAS is a young, not-for-profit voluntary organization based in Perth, Western Australia, chaired by Mary Gurgone, a long-time advocate for CALD communities and a former carer herself. AfCAS operates on three fronts: training organizations to provide culturally appropriate care (government agencies, universities, aged care providers); directly supporting CALD clients by providing interpreting and translation services and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme; and advocating for national action on improving culturally appropriate services that are strong and accountable
Why it matters
Language and cultural disconnect doesn't just cause an inconvenience in aged care; it creates genuine isolation. A senior who cannot communicate easily with staff may not say how much pain is being felt, may not seek assistance for the pain, or just may not talk to those around him/her. AfCAS's volunteer visitor program specifically addresses this by matching CALD seniors with visitors who are familiar with the culture and who, if possible, speak the senior's language, and fosters a trusting and familiar relationship between the two parties that is grounded in both culture and language.
How you can help
Every mention of AfCAS and every donation matters, as AfCAS is predominantly volunteer-driven and receives only a small amount of funding. It can be a role to share the message, a role to volunteer as a visitor, or a role to reach your own networks in the aged care, government, or community service sectors; there is a part for you to play that has meaning.
As AfCAS puts it: “Honour the Past. Celebrate the Now. Inspire the Future.” Supporting culturally appropriate aged care is one way we can all help make that motto real for the seniors in our own community.
👉 Visit www.afcas.net to read more about their work, or reach out to see how you or your organisation could get involved.
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(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University.)
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