Better care for CALD older Aussies
The federal government will provide funding to 16 organisations supporting older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in aged care.
The federal government will provide funding to 16 organisations supporting older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in aged care.
A number of projects will receive funding through the $60 million second round of the government’s Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund, which will deliver $378 million over four years.
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said the funding was part of a broader national strategy aimed at ensuring the benefits of the government’s $3.7 billion Living Longer. Living Better aged care reform plan spread to the whole community.
“About 20% of people aged over 65 years were born outside Australia and by 2021 that number will rise to 30%,” Mr Butler said.
“Older people from CALD backgrounds often have different cultural, linguistic and spiritual needs which can affect the type of care and services they want and need.
“In many cases, the onset of dementia causes older people from CALD backgrounds to lose their English language skills and revert to their first language. Clearly that is a unique challenge for the person affected, for families and for the aged care provider.
“So, for example, one organisation will be funded to provide workshops that assist staff in supporting individuals with dementia, develop a CALD specific handbook and establish support groups for family members.”
The project will support the federal government’s National Ageing and Aged Care Strategy for People from CALD backgrounds.
A full list of applicants under the Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund can be found at the Department of Health and Ageing website.
