A bespoke aged care pathway for First Nations people
A process of meaningful and respectful engagement is critical to enabling change that meets the needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, writes Dr Claudia Meyer.
In a previous article in Australian Ageing Agenda, AAG shared its report from the 2023 Ageing at the Centre: Putting Elders and older people at the heart of our work forum.
At the time of writing, I am prompted to use NAIDOC Week, celebrated from 7 to 14 July 2024, as an opportunity to formally acknowledge the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
More specifically – and in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care providers, recipients and stakeholders – I am sharing AAG’s call for a bespoke Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific aged care pathway.
Among the many recommendations of the royal commission, there was clear mention of the need for a “new aged care system [that] makes specific and adequate provision for the diverse and changing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.
We see the distinct pathway and prioritisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services as the best option for ensuring that Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are cared for in a way that is culturally safe and responsive to their diverse and dynamic needs.
Collaboration is key
We also believe that this would be the best way to ensure that no existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander providers are disadvantaged in an environment where established and competitive services may work to gain clients to the detriment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.
That said, it is important to acknowledge that not all older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Elders prefer their care services to be delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. In this case, we support their right to self-determination.
Collaboration is key. We facilitate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing Advisory Group. ATSIAAG works with AAG’s national office to address gaps, challenges and opportunities, and to provide guidance and advice on all issues related to ageing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
ATSIAAG achieves this through consultation and the development of partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, communities and organisations.
This process of meaningful and respectful engagement is critical to enabling change that meets the needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
More stakeholder views from this edition
- Tom Symondson: Support critical aged care reforms
- Daniel Gannon: The budget’s care deficit should concern everyone
- Patricia Sparrow A minister for ageing is good news for seniors
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