The Albanese Government will spend $440 million to improve access to aged care services, specifically targeting rural and remote areas and First Nations communities.
The increased funding, provided under the government’s Support At Home program, is designed to expand culturally appropriate aged care services for First Nations people. It follows the government’s $4.3 billion support at home package announced in September.
18 First Nations providers have been offered contracts to provide extra services. The aim is to increase access to services including allied health and therapy, as well as home maintenance and transport.
So why is culturally appropriate aged care important, and how can we ensure aged care services meet the needs of First Nations communities?
The importance of culturally appropriate care
Providing culturally appropriate aged care services for First Nations communities can be a major challenge.
While care at home is the preferred option for most people, moving into an aged care facility is the best option for some. With this comes additional challenges, especially for those in First Nations communities.
For many First Nations people, moving into aged care can mean being separated from their culture and heritage. For those living in rural or remote areas, it often means relocating away from their communities and support networks.
Many First Nations people have a deep spiritual connection to the area they grew up in. This connection includes not only the physical space but also the plants, animals and waterways as well as the laws, traditions and customs of the area. In First Nations culture, this is referred to as “country”.
For Indigenous Australians, maintaining connection to country is critical. Many fear that moving away to access aged care will mean they die away from their home country.
How can aged care facilities provide culturally appropriate care?
Yaandina, an aged care facility located in the remote community of Roebourne, exemplifies how aged care can be tailored to meet the needs of First Nations residents. It is one of only two aged care facilities located in Western Australia’s Pilbara, an area twice the size of the state of Victoria. The facility took out the top prize for best aged care centre of the year in the National Rural And Remote Health Centre awards.
Reflecting the fact that most Indigenous elders in the area are locals with a strong connection to the environment, the facility provides access to the outdoors with an open roof so that residents can see the sky and the stars.Staff at the facility have also received training about traditions and customs that are unique to First Nations groups in the area. The majority of staff are fluent in the languages of the centre’s Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi residents. Also on display at the facility are artworks from local art and language groups.
Challenges in providing culturally appropriate care
• Indigenous groups may be geographically dispersed: First Nations people may be spread all over the country, making it difficult to decide where to locate a dedicated aged care facility. Some First Nations people will also be located in areas where it is not practical or sustainable to provide a dedicated facility.
• Many Indigenous groups vary in culture: There can be significant variations of culture, values, norms and customs among different First Nations groups. This can make it difficult to train staff to provide culturally appropriate care.
Culturally appropriate aged care can play a crucial role in allowing First Nations elders to maintain a connection to their culture as they age.
Are you looking for a new career? A career in aged care can allow you to make a vital difference in the lives of older Australians. In some cases, financial incentives are provided for those willing to relocate to rural or remote areas.
Are you considering a career in aged care? Aged Care Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our aged care resume and cover letter writing service.
Article References
Govan, A (25 November 2024) ‘Aged care facility helps WA elderly stay close to family in Roebourne’, ABC News, accessed 23 December 2024.
Lui, S (23 December 2024) ‘$440m more to be spent on the Support at Home package for aged-care access’, The Australian, accessed 23 December 2024.