WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2021
AgedCareGuide.com.au
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Special needs groups There are a number of groups of people that are recognised by the Government as ‘special needs’ groups when it comes to aged care services. Aged care providers are required to consider the needs of these groups in the provision of care. You will find more information on each group below.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)
All care homes should care for all people regardless of their background although some homes are specifically for ATSI clients. See pages 150 –152 for an overview of aged care homes and service providers that have indicated to cater for ATSI clients.
Care leavers
A care leaver is a person who, as a child or youth, spent time in institutional care or other types of out of home care like orphanages, children’s homes or foster care. A large number of these care leavers are now reaching an age where they need to consider moving into aged care. Because of their experiences in institutionalised care, aged care has been flagged as an area that can cause distress and anxiety.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people Some aged care services are designed specifically for people who are culturally and linguistically diverse. They might have staff that speak a foreign language, specific cultural activities or meeting spiritual needs.
To support the needs of older people from CALD backgrounds, the Government has introduced the ‘National Ageing and Aged Care Strategy for People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds’. This strategy helps aged care providers to deliver quality care and aims to make culturally appropriate aged care more accessible. See pages 150 –152 for a list of culturally appropriate homes and services.
Disability
In Australia one in five people live with some form of disability and this number increases with age. There are many different types of disability including physical, intellectual, sensory, learning, psychiatric or a combination of any of these. Some of these may be pre-existing disabilities, they can be disabilities due to health conditions like a stroke, or be part of the ageing process, such as dementia. If you have a disability, are over 65 years of age and currently receive support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), visit ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110 to find out what services are available to you.
Special needs groups
The care needs of older Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people can be quite specific and there is a cultural element that needs to be considered in the delivery of care.
