Research finds aged care respite gap for older Aboriginal people in NSW

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has released the results of the second state-wide patient survey, conducted across all eight area health services.

A new report into the health and aged care needs of older Aboriginal people on the NSW mid north coast has identified a severe shortage of overnight respite and short-term emergency care and the need for Aboriginal health workers.

The report was completed by Southern Cross University’s Aged Services Learning and Research Centre on behalf of Yarrawarra Aged Care.

Professor Colleen Cartwright said the scoping study looked at the health and care needs for older Aboriginal people.

The major gap identified in the study was the need for day, overnight and short-term emergency respite.

“There is a real need for an Aged Care Service Centre, operated by an Aboriginal organisation, for older Aboriginal people living in the Gumbaynggirr Nation,” Professor Cartwright said.

“Based on population estimates and planning ratios, there should be 132 Aboriginal-specific community care places. In our study area, which covers the area from south of Nambucca Heads, north to Maclean and west of Dorrigo, there are at present no Aboriginal-specific residential places and only a limited number of Aboriginal-specific Community Care Packages.

“The report also identified the importance of having Aboriginal health workers to provide some of the care and support. Currently older Aboriginal people are reluctant to access residential care. But, if they become familiar with the Centre and the workers they will feel more comfortable about going into respite.”

Tony Perkins, chair of Yarrawarra Aged Care Ltd, said the scoping study, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, provided a comprehensive report on all the services required.

“We are now in a position to present our urgent needs in caring for Aboriginal elders, which in turn will bridge the gap in health and care and contribute to a healthier lifestyle,” Mr Perkins said.