Supporting Inclusive End of Life Care Companion Guides

Cultural safety is the most critical aspect of person-centred palliative care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Developing a culturally safe model of care relies on forming trusting relationships with consumers, families and communities. Without trust, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples may not feel comfortable engaging with providers and may be reluctant to discuss end of life care planning.

It is important to be mindful of past experiences in the lives of older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples accessing aged care, in particular for Stolen Generations survivors and their descendents. Aged care providers that are aware of the impact of trauma and develop systems to support trauma-informed care have the potential to improve quality end of life care.

Supporting Inclusive End of Life Care for Older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples

This resource is a companion document to the Actions to Support Older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People: A Guide for Aged Care Providers and provides information, guidance and links to key resources to assist aged care providers in the provision of culturally safe and inclusive end of life care of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

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In 2016, 1 in 3 older people were born overseas with the majority of these people born in a non-English speaking country. Many older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse communities may face barriers in accessing services. Barriers may include: a lack of awareness and knowledge of the services that are available; system complexity; language barriers; and inadequate availability of culturally safe and inclusive care providers.

Many older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experienced trauma during their migration. These past traumatic experiences, culture, and limited access to health and other services throughout life play an important role at end of life with implications for the provision of palliative care.

Supporting Inclusive End of Life Care: Older People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

This resource is a companion document to the Actions to Support Older Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People: A Guide for Aged Care Providers and provides information, guidance and links to key resources to assist aged care providers in the provision of culturally safe and inclusive end of life care of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, and intersex (LGBTI) people are not homogenous and are part of all population groups, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, veterans, care leavers, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Older LGBTI people living in Australia require particular attention when accessing aged care, as they are likely to have experienced discrimination, prejudice, and possibly violence during their lifetime due to their sexuality. It is important for aged care providers to understand this history and be aware of lived experiences of discrimination during admission to the service and when assessing palliative care needs. For example, questions about experiences growing up, family and early relationships may trigger stressful memories and can be re-traumatising to people.

Supporting Inclusive End of Life Care: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, and Intersex Elders

This resource is a companion document to the Actions to Support Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, and Intersex Elders: a Guide for Aged Care Providers and provides information, guidance and links to key resources to assist aged care providers in the provision of culturally safe and inclusive end of life care of LGBTI elders.

Download Resource (733kb pdf)