Why Culturally Appropriate Aged Care Matters for Perth's Multicultural Seniors?
Growing old is hard enough. Now imagine doing it in a language you no longer feel confident speaking, surrounded by services that don’t understand your traditions, your food. Or your faith. For thousands of migrants seniors across Perth, this isn’t a hypothetical – its’s daily life.
Many people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds finds that as they age, especially with conditions like dementia, they naturally revery to their first language, even after decades of fluency in English. When aged care services aren’t equipped to bridge that gap, seniors can become isolated from the very support meant to help them.
However, if the aged care services are not able to fill that void, seniors can end up isolated from the very support they have been provided for. This is the "gap" AfCAS (Association for Culturally Appropriate Services) is trying to fill. Located in Perth, AfCAS works with aged care and disability providers to develop authentic cultural competency, rather than by ticking a box, and through hands-on training, cultural auditing, mentoring and community involvement. They also operate a Volunteer Visitor program which matches isolated CALD senior citizens with companionship and conversation in a language and cultural setting that is 'home'. It's a two way street. Seniors feel connected, feel appreciated and feel understood. Providers not only get tools but confidence to provide services that are truly relevant for the diverse communities they serve, and not just a one-size-fits-all. The population of Perth is growing and becoming more diverse, and this work is not a nice-to-have, it's a must have. Remember, an aged care provider who invests in cultural understanding does not simply comply with aged care requirements, they are able to develop genuine trust with the community they serve and that trust is what will make it easier for someone to feel comfortable in the first place seeking aged care. If you are a service provider who wants to better serve CALD clients, a prospective volunteer who has time to offer, or just someone who cares about inclusive ageing then there is a role for you in this work. Looking to make a difference?
Head to AfCAS's website, www.afcas.net, to find out about their programs, volunteer opportunities and free consultations for aged care providers — and how you can help contribute to a more culturally inclusive Perth.
Student ID: 10719534
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(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University.)
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