Developing the aged carers that will support our Elders into the future is so important for the overall health of society. When our old people receive culturally appropriate support that considers all aspects of their wellbeing, there is a trickle-down effect on the whole community, with Elders often acting as the backbone and storytellers of their family. This is why on Thursday 9th the Elders Village encouraged aged care workers by delivering a study tour with IPEPA (Indigenous Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach).
The study tour was for any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person working in any area of health, aged or disability care across SA to meet with those providing Palliative Care. The Aboriginal Elders Village (AEV) team explained how emotional, cultural and spiritual care needs of the residents are met, especially during palliative and end of life care.
It’s very important for others in the industry to see how an Aboriginal specific aged care facility functions. When working in the ageing and disability sector cultural awareness is vital for ensuring everyone can receive quality care. Cultural awareness and safety shouldn’t be an afterthought or something carers opt in or out of, culturally appropriate care practices and the opportunity to work with First Nations Elders should be explored from when training starts. We would also love to see more Aboriginal aged care workers, with 87% of Elders we surveyed saying they think there is a need for more Aboriginal staff in aged care services. Elders said that this would enhance cultural safety, understanding and appropriateness, and improve trust, connection and reliability. When we engage with the wider community through study tours and collaborations, we hope it will inspire people to consider Aboriginal aged care as a rewarding and important career path.
Those on the tour heard about the different practices and processes when a resident has passed away. This includes leaving their room untouched for three weeks. After the funeral has been held, there is a smoking ceremony to assist the spirit to move into the next phase of its journey. The clinical care team across the AEV and Community Services spoke about their roles and the kinds of services they provide to Elders. Along with completing comprehensive full clinical nursing assessments, developing appropriate care plans, liaising with GPs and relevant allied health professionals, and working closely with Elders’ families to provide end-of-life-care that respects their wishes, the team also advocates for clients in many instances. The team often advocates for clients to access appropriate medication and effective paint management. Kathy Pearce from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Association noted that ACS consistently goes above and beyond to ensure clients receive high-quality care.
We hope to keep improving our culturally appropriate care, providing bespoke services and more choice for Elders, as well as educating the industry and community about the ways we can all move towards culturally appropriate practices. Ultimately, ensuring a self-determined approach to aged care and advocating for appropriate legislation contributes to the national struggle for reconciliation and truth telling. Our Elders deserve appropriate care!
Thank you IPEPA for facilitating this visit and platforming us as an example of culturally appropriate palliative care providers.
