If you’re an older person from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, or you’re caring for an older person from a CALD background, there are aged care services specifically for you. Many organisations now offer specific diets, activities, languages or spiritual needs, whatever your cultural, linguistic or spiritual background.
If you speak a language other than English, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 for support to talk to My Aged Care or with your aged care provider about your services.
TIS National covers more than 100 languages and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the cost of a local call.
My Aged Care can help you access aged care information in other languages. There are also printable brochures, posters and spoken information in other languages to help you get started with My Aged Care.
What can I discuss with potential aged care providers?
If you’re looking to move into an aged care home, the 10 Questions to Ask brochure can be a helpful resource. It provides a list of questions that can help people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds find a suitable provider. The questions are written by doctors, nurses, and other experts with experience in aged care.
My Aged Care videos
My Aged Care case study: Mrs Dou’s story
After having a bad fall, Mrs Dou didn’t have any confidence in walking. She started receiving services through My Aged Care and is now healthier and more independent with help through a home care package. (Simplified Chinese - Mandarin)
My Aged Care case study: Mrs Gonella’s story
Lina called My Aged Care to arrange an assessment for her mother. They arranged for a carer who spoke her language to provide her with extra help at home through a Home Care package. (Italian)
My Aged Care case study compilation: Mrs Dou and Mrs Gonella
Hear real stories from people using My Aged Care.
Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care
There are organisations in each state and territory that work as part of the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) program to:
- support aged care providers to deliver culturally appropriate care to older people from CALD communities
- help older CALD people and their families make informed decisions about their aged care needs.
PICAC organisations run a range of activities including training, information sessions, workshops, and resource development.
Find out more from each state’s PICAC organisations listed below:
| State/Territory | Organisation name | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory | Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra | www.mcci.org.au Phone: 02 4229 7566 |
| Northern Territory | Council on the Ageing NT (COTA NT) | www.cotant.org.au Phone: 08 8941 1004 |
| Queensland | Diversicare | www.diversicare.com.au Phone: 1300 348 377 |
| South Australia | Multicultural Aged Care | www.mac.org.au Phone: 08 8241 9900 |
| Tasmania | Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania | www.mrctas.org.au Phone: 03 6221 0999 |
| Victoria | Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing | www.culturaldiversity.com.au Phone: 03 8823 7979 |
| Western Australia | Fortis Consulting | www.fortisconsulting.com.au Phone: 08 9467 2490 |