Culturally Inclusive Aged Care: What It Means and Why It Matters

Are you organising aged care for your loved one? Culturally inclusive care can help your loved one feel more comfortable and understood. Here’s a quick overview of what culturally inclusive aged care really means and why it matters. Plus, how to find an aged care provider who respects your loved one’s cultural identity.

What Is Culturally Inclusive Aged Care?

Culturally inclusive aged care is an approach to aged care that celebrates and respects the cultural beliefs and traditions of the older adults who receive it. This is especially important in Australia, with studies showing that over 37% of older adults in Australia were born overseas.

When providing culturally inclusive aged care, care workers take the time to understand where someone grew up, whether faith guides their life, and how they celebrate culture. The small details, such as how your loved one celebrates milestones, are considered essential to quality care.

Why Does Culturally Inclusive Aged Care Matter?

Culturally inclusive aged care matters because it can improve mental health, boost feelings of belonging, and even improve health outcomes.

Here are just a few of the benefits of a culturally inclusive approach to aged care:

• Supports identity and sense of self. Engaging in cultural practises can build confidence and help your loved one feel grounded.
• Improves health and wellbeing. Speaking in your loved one’s language can help them express needs and concerns more easily, supporting better health outcomes.
• Reduces isolation. Upholding cultural traditions can help reduce loneliness and confusion, especially for those living with dementia.
• Increases engagement. Your loved one may be more likely to follow care routines if they feel their cultural beliefs are respected.

How Do I Know if an Aged Care Provider Is Culturally Inclusive?

To know if an aged care provider is culturally inclusive, look for a deliberate, person-centric approach to aged care that focuses on your loved one’s cultural needs.

Here are some questions that could indicate if an aged care provider is culturally inclusive:

• Language support. Are there multilingual support workers who can speak your loved one’s language? Can you access information about the provider in your preferred language, via their website or elsewhere?
• Spiritual practices. Is the aged care provider happy to accommodate prayer times, cultural holidays, and traditions?
• Staff training. Are staff taught about cultural safety and inclusion? Is ongoing training provided, and are diverse hiring practises in place?
• Past examples. Does the provider have examples of cultural inclusion? Have they changed their care practises to encourage cultural involvement for other older adults?
• Policies and frameworks. Does the aged care provider have cultural diversity and inclusion policies in place? Do they have a procedure for handling feedback on cultural inclusion?
• Proactive cultural curiosity. Does the aged care provider actively ask your loved one about their culture and background?

Feel free to ask all of these questions. A good provider will welcome your curiosity and be happy to support any cultural preferences.

Culturally Inclusive In Home Aged Care

If you’re looking for person-centred in home aged care for your loved one, we’re here to help. At Simply Helping, we understand that every person’s background, culture, and story are unique—just like their care needs.

Our flexible, culturally inclusive services range from personal care and home help to gardening and social support. Whether it’s helping your loved one celebrate traditions, maintaining their home and garden, or providing respectful day-to-day care, we provide support that puts them first. Click here to learn more and contact us today.