What Does “Culturally Appropriate Care” Actually Mean?
Australia is a culturally diverse country. People receiving aged care and community services come from many different cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds.
But what does culturally appropriate care actually mean?
It means providing care that respects a person's culture, language, beliefs, traditions, values and individual preferences.
Why Does Culture Matter in Care?
Culture can influence how we communicate, the food we eat, our religious practices, our family relationships and the traditions that are important to us.
For older people, maintaining these connections can help them feel respected, understood and included. Culturally appropriate care is not just about meeting physical needs. It is about understanding the whole person.
What Does Culturally Appropriate Care Look Like?
It can include:
Supporting a person's preferred language
Respecting cultural and dietary preferences
Understanding religious practices
Respecting family involvement
Supporting cultural traditions and celebrations
Most importantly, it means asking rather than assuming. Everyone has different experiences and preferences, even when they share the same cultural background.
How AfCAS Supports Culturally Appropriate Care
The Association for Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS) works to promote quality care that meets the diverse cultural needs of communities and service providers.
AfCAS provides training, mentoring, cultural audits and charters, and community engagement and advisory services. Its Volunteer Visitor Scheme also provides friendship and companionship to older people, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Everyone Deserves to Feel Understood
Culturally appropriate care is about recognizing the person behind the care — their culture, language, identity, family and experiences.
When care providers listen and respect differences, they can help create services where people feel safe, valued and included.
Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University.
Seri Mongkol Chhay (10736917)
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