Cultural Recognition and Respect

There are many aged care programs and services that support the distinctive
needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

However, for the first time, the unique cultural needs of older Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people are key considerations in the overall service design
and implementation of the Support at Home program.

This approach to what is known as ‘Cultural Safety’, ensures older Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people receive support in a way that respects their
identity, culture, and history, creating an environment where they feel safe,
heard, and genuinely accepted without judgement or discrimination.

The Support at Home program promises to be responsive to the diverse and
changing needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through:

• Including culturally safe care services on the service list – such as assistance to participate in cultural activities and access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and health workers
• Providing a supplement for extra hours of care management to providers
  who support older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants
  

We understand that only the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person themselves can determine whether their service or support is culturally safe, so
we invite you to talk to us and help us understand what culturally safe care means for you.

We will work closely with you to ensure you have access to any additional supports available in the new program, so please reach out to us for more
information about how your funding can be used to meet your cultural needs.

www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/support-at-home-program-booklet-for-olderaboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoplefamilies-and-carers