Labor promises $5 million for aged care translation
Posted
by DPS
Labor has promised $5 million to improve translation services for older Australians in aged care if it wins the 21 August poll.
The promise includes $2.2 million for interpreter services to help older people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Aged care staff would also be provided with training to improve their cultural awareness.
The announcement on Friday was made in a joint statement by Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and Health Minister, Nicola Roxon.
“Currently older persons from ethnic backgrounds make up around 15% of people in residential aged-care facilities,” they said, adding language difficulties meant seniors might not receive timely care and support.
