Older Australians

Australia is a country built on successive waves of immigration from all parts of the world. As our aged population grows, so too will the challenge of providing aged care that is sensitive to Australia’s cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.

Many older Australians whose first language is not English lose their facility in English as they age. Some may even revert almost entirely to their mother tongue. These people are particularly vulnerable to isolation.

Former refugees can face additional burdens and challenges associated with the aging process resulting from the trauma, loss, grief and hardship associated with their pre-arrival experiences. Furthermore, when cognitive problems develop as part of the aging process, it may be that short-term memory fails and long-term memory dominates, resulting in some clients reliving past traumas.

Information and acceptance

Client awareness of and attitude to the range of services available to support them as they age are key accessibility issues. It is also important that health promotion programs, such as those on diabetes, healthy living and preventing falls are accessible to all older Australians.

Many older Australians do not have the language or computer skills to access online services. Travelling to government offices can be difficult or impossible, and some older people simply do not know how to use public transport. Communicating by phone can be difficult due to language issues and hearing loss. Answering machines and recorded messages can be stressful for older Australians, especially those whose first language is not English. This often results in them abandoning efforts to obtain information.

Verbal information and face-to-face interaction in their homes or in places close by are often the most successful methods for engaging older Australians. Using plain language and avoiding jargon are important. Translated material, audio and audiovisual tools, the use of ethnic community radio and television programs, seminars and presentations in local venues can also be effective. The quality of translated materials can be improved by involving target communities during their design and production.

Community feedback frequently raised the issue of increasing demand for interpreting services as the number of older Australians grows. It is regarded as essential that aged care providers plan and dedicate funding for translating and interpreting services. An emerging workforce development issue is that, while the demand for interpreters for the more established communities is increasing, the number of available interpreters in those languages is decreasing due to retirement.

Using family members or unqualified staff for language support is not always appropriate due to conflicts of interest, concern about conveying sensitive material, compromising confidentiality or lack of technical knowledge. Spouses or other family members relied on in the past for interpreting may no longer be available.

There are cultural expectations in some communities that older people will always be cared for by a family member in the home. Strategies to build community confidence and interest in Australia’s aged care facilities are important. Those who do wish to care for older family members at home need adequate support.

Culturally appropriate care

Cultural, religious and linguistic diversity is a defining characteristic of today’s Australia. Community feedback consistently stressed the importance of monitoring and enforcing culturally appropriate care standards, and the need for interaction and connection between community organisations and government in the design of appropriate care services. There was also strong support for service providers to be proactive in building community knowledge and advocacy capacity rather than waiting for individual clients to approach them directly with frustrations and concerns.

Community organisations often mentioned the value of service providers’ cultural and language skills. Many considered that ethno-specific and multicultural service agencies play a key role in meeting the needs of Australia’s diverse older community. This should not, however, decrease the responsibility of mainstream services to provide appropriate funding for workforce development and strategies to attract and retain bilingual workers and for ensuring that staff are culturally competent. It is also important that clients receive culturally appropriate care regardless of where they reside, including in regional Australia.