Aged Care Diversity Framework released

The federal government has released Australia’s latest Aged Care Diversity Framework, signalling a new, more inclusive era in aged care.

Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt AM said all seniors in Australia — no matter their background, location or life experience — should receive aged-care services that suit their individual needs.

“This framework will help the aged-care sector identify what it can do to drive cultural and systemic improvements that take into account our diverse population,” Minister Wyatt said.

The framework’s six priority areas are:

1. Making informed choices
2. Adopting systemic approaches to planning and implementation
3. Accessible care and support
4. Supporting a proactive and flexible system
5. Respectful and inclusive services
6. Meeting the needs of the most vulnerable

Minister Wyatt said the new framework would also support the more than 36% of seniors who were born outside of Australia.

“We know from experience that when some people who were born overseas grow older, they can revert back to using their mother tongue, which can be a challenge in aged care,” Minister Wyatt said. “This framework acknowledges this and will assist in ensuring these people receive the aged care they deserve.”

An Aged Care Sector Committee Diversity Sub-Group produced the framework after broad community consultation.

“The framework is intended to be used by all governments with responsibility for aged-care policy and programs, peak organisations and aged-care service providers.”

Under the framework, three action plans will be developed in the first half of 2018, to target particular barriers and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, CALD communities and people who identify as LGBTI.

The framework is available on the Department of Health website.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/jovannig