Why Culturally Appropriate Care Matters for Older People in Perth
Growing older should never mean leaving your culture, language or sense of belonging behind. For families supporting older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, finding care that recognises their identity and communication needs can be an important part of supporting their dignity and connection. In Perth’s diverse community, culturally appropriate care encourages us to look beyond basic care needs and consider what makes each person feel understood and respected.
Why Culture and Language Matter
Culture can influence how people communicate, connect with family and community, maintain traditions and experience care. For an older person, familiar language, cultural traditions and meaningful social connections can be important parts of their identity. Culturally appropriate care is therefore about more than translation. It involves listening to each person and recognising the cultural background, relationships and practices that matter to them.
What Can Culturally Appropriate Care Look Like?
Culturally appropriate care means considering the individual rather than treating culture as an afterthought. This can include understanding communication preferences, cultural traditions, family relationships and other aspects of a person’s identity.
AfCAS works to support organisations to provide culturally appropriate services for the CALD community and advocates for improved quality, accountability and accessibility of services.
How AfCAS Supports Culturally Appropriate Care
AfCAS provides services including training, mentoring, cultural audits and charters, and community engagement and advisory services. Its training programs can be tailored for family carers, care workers, supervisors, managers and boards, including areas such as home care, residential care, dementia and palliative care.
Supporting an Older Loved One
If you are supporting an older family member, start by asking what helps them feel comfortable, understood and connected to their culture. Learning more about culturally appropriate care can also help families have informed conversations with care providers and consider whether services recognise the individual needs of their loved one.
Want to learn more about culturally appropriate care? Visit
https://www.afcas.net to explore its work and services and discover more about supporting culturally diverse communities.
Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University.
Tshering Choden - 10647369
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