09/08/2026
Did you know that around 20-30% (in 2024) of seniors accessing aged care support were from a culturally or linguistically diverse background?
This includes people born overseas, those who speak a language other than English, people from migrant backgrounds or First Nations people.
Over 36% of aged care workers also identify as being culturally or linguistically diverse.
Language, culture and identity shape how we think, feel, and communicate. If we embrace and develop services that cater to these differences, we foster wellbeing and safety in our aged care settings.
Some simple things can make all the difference to an employee or elderly person receiving care, such as:
Not assuming someone's background or identity is the same as your own
Understanding that beliefs and values are shaped by cultural identity
Respecting the importance of community knowledge and kinship
Being patient and understanding of the barriers people may face, including socio-economic factors, location and language
Practicing patience; and
Being open to discovering more about someone's cultural background, including food, drink, celebrations and religion
Understanding diversity means we can approach aged care from an informed and compassionate standpoint. It involves supporting elderly people by listening to them, understanding their preferences and promoting quality of life.
At ARC Training, this understanding of who is using aged care services is pivotal and shapes how we deliver education to our students.
