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For cultural and identified needs
Quality aged care is a basic right for all older Australians, whatever their background, no matter where they live. There are many care and support services that are designed to meet the needs of older Australians. But some groups of people need additional services.
Veterans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people in rural and remote areas – all have particular needs that must be provided for to preserve and enhance their quality of life.
No matter what your gender, ethnicity, culture, language, economic circumstance or geographic location, the Aged Care Act 1997 (more information) facilitates your access to aged care.
People from different cultural, language or religious backgrounds are able to access all aged care homes and the homes must acknowledge and respect your cultural identity. But some homes provide additional services that are specific to your individual needs as well.
Aged care homes will encourage and help residents to maintain existing links with cultural, national or social communities, and to take part in the social life of those communities. Aged care homes may arrange for a translator, if you need one, to help explain your needs and preferences.
People living in aged care homes have the right to practise their own religion; some homes have their own chapel or quiet room. Some homes have regular visits from clergy or can arrange transport to places of worship.
Read more: Aged care homes for culturally and linguistically diverse people
Read more: Aged care homes in rural and regional areas
Read more: Aged care homes for veterans
Read more: Aged care homes for people who are financially disadvantaged
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Conditions associated with ageing generally affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people earlier than other Australians. Planning for aged care services is based on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population aged 50 years or older, compared with 70 years or older for other Australians.
Flexible models of care (more information) are provided under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Strategy, often in remote areas where no aged care services are otherwise available.
Read more: Aged care homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Common questions on this topic:
- Will I receive nursing care if required in a retirement village?
- How do I find an aged care home with residents and staff who speak my language so I can communicate with them?
- Grandad's foreign pension does not cover his care fees. What can he do?
See all common questions
