Supporting Healthy Ageing in Perth's Multicultural Community
Imagine growing old somewhere your carer doesn't speak your language, understand your food, or recognise your traditions. For many older migrants in Perth, that's not imagination — it's daily life.
For someone who's spent a lifetime speaking one language, cooking familiar meals, and marking the same traditions every year, having all of that disappear in later life isn't a small thing — it can be deeply isolating.
The Association of Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS) supports Perth's multicultural community on two fronts — training and mentoring aged care providers to deliver culturally appropriate services, and running direct community programs, such as Volunteer Visitors, that connect older people with companionship and support.
Why Cultural Connection Matters
When care actually reflects someone's culture, something shifts — communication gets easier, trust builds faster, people feel like they're being seen rather than just processed.
That's the whole idea behind AfCAS's work: good aged care isn't just about the practical stuff — meals, medication, mobility. It's about whether someone still feels like themselves.
Building Stronger Communities Together
A shared meal, a familiar song, a conversation in your first language — small things like this can matter more than people realise when you're growing older.
Families matter here too. Something as simple as encouraging an older relative to join a community event can be the difference between feeling included and feeling forgotten.
AfCAS's Volunteer Visitors program is one example — pairing volunteers with older people for regular visits and company. And behind the scenes, their training and mentoring work means the care providers themselves are better equipped to understand what someone actually needs, culturally speaking.
Celebrating Diversity as We Age
None of us should have to choose between growing older and staying who we are. Healthy ageing means being able to keep speaking your language, cooking your food, and marking your traditions — not leaving them behind.
If you or someone you know could benefit from culturally appropriate aged care support in Perth, AfCAS is a great place to start.
👉 Visit www.afcas.net to learn more about AfCAS's services, or get in touch to see how they can support your family or organisation.
(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University.)
Student no: 10730226
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