COTA Queensland (Council on the Ageing) is a non-profit organisation that advocates for the rights, interests, and well-being of older Australians. It serves as a powerful voice for the elderly, addressing critical issues such as health, housing, and aged care. COTA Queensland works to ensure that older adults are valued, respected, and have access to services that promote their independence and quality of life.
One of the innovative ways COTA Queensland fosters awareness and education in aged care is through its podcast, SNACK (Some New Aged Care Knowledge). This series is designed for home care workers, aged care professionals, and anyone involved in caring for older people, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds. The podcast offers bite-sized insights that help care providers navigate the complexities of aged care with empathy and professionalism.
Each episode of SNACK tackles important topics, focusing on building skills and awareness in caring for a diverse aging population. Here are some examples of the issues addressed:
1. Providing Care for Multicultural Clients
One episode features Thana Roysmith from the Multicultural Advisory Service of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ). It highlights the importance of building rapport and communicating effectively with clients from different cultural backgrounds. Thana presents scenarios where care workers visit clients from multicultural backgrounds and provides practical advice to ensure the care provided aligns with the client’s cultural needs while adhering to organisational standards.
2. A Refugee’s Journey to Aged Care
Another episode shares the story of David Vien, a refugee from Vietnam who became a home care worker for Diversicare, ECCQ’s home care division. David’s cultural background and experiences deeply influence his approach to care. The episode provides listeners with an understanding of how refugee care workers can offer unique perspectives in aged care and underscores the value of cultural diversity within the workforce.
3. The Essential Role of Professional Interpreters
In a conversation between Jenny Hazlewood from ECCQ and Diana Padilla from the Language Services Team at Metro North Health, the podcast addresses the critical role of professional interpreters in aged care and health services. With over 20% of Australian households speaking a language other than English, effective communication is essential for providing quality care. This episode discusses the risks of using untrained individuals as interpreters and highlights strategies for holding successful interpreting sessions.
4. Challenges of Providing Culturally Appropriate Care in Rural Areas
An insightful episode features Adhel, a Sudanese community leader caring for her mother in a rural town. She discusses the barriers to accessing culturally appropriate care in regional areas and offers solutions to overcome these challenges. This conversation sheds light on the unique difficulties faced by those in remote regions and highlights the need for inclusive and accessible aged care services.
There are many more themes to explore in SNACK, offering a wealth of knowledge and insights for aged care professionals across various topics.
Why SNACK Matters
The SNACK podcast is an invaluable resource in aged care, particularly as Australia’s population becomes increasingly diverse. It provides actionable insights that help care providers develop cultural competence, improve communication, and deliver better care.
By sharing real-life stories and expert advice, SNACK empowers aged care professionals to connect with their clients on a deeper level, ensuring that care is not only medically sound but also culturally sensitive. For anyone working in aged care, especially those providing services to multicultural communities, SNACK is a tool that can enhance understanding and foster more compassionate care.
In a sector where effective communication and empathy can significantly impact the quality of life for older adults, SNACK offers essential guidance in navigating these complex and rewarding relationships.
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