Background

This CALD resource provides research materials and guidelines for health providers working with CALD older people from Asian/South Asian, Middle Eastern and African older age groups settled in the Auckland region.

The resource discusses specific health issues and common health and cultural beliefs and practices for the care of older age groups. Culturally appropriate communication strategies including the use of interpreters are described. Culturally appropriate health screening and assessment tools are included. The resource informs health providers about best practice for CALD older people and their families, using practical tips and case scenarios.

Topics in this resource include:

• Family systems and care giving in CALD communities.
• Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation (AT&R) services.
• Dementia and culturally appropriate assessment tools.
• Stroke.
• Mental health.
• Residential Aged Care (RAC).
• Screening for elder abuse and neglect.
• Advance Care Plans and Advance Directives.
• End-of-life care.
• Services and resources for CALD older people.

The first step in the provision of culturally appropriate health and personal care for CALD older people is to address issues around language and communication (Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing, 2010).

The cultural and religious needs of older people must also be identified and incorporated in health and personal care service provision. Culture and religion influence the way CALD older people respond to illness, ageing and health care. Understanding cultural and religious practices and expectations will assist in the provision of culturally appropriate health and personal care for older people and their families (Mhlanga, 2008).

Health providers caring for older people also need to understand the impact of migration and the refugee experience and social isolation in new societies; as well as of role changes and intergenerational conflict in the family (Hokoyeda & Tanabe, 2010; Ho, Lewin & Muntz, 2010; Ip, Lui &Chui, 2007; Jang, Kim & Chiriboga, 2005).

It is recommended that health providers:

• Have broad understandings of the impact of migration; and the refugee experiences of CALD older people.
• Do not assume that CALD older people have extended family and community support networks.
• Use professional interpreters.
• Understand the role of family and communities in CALD older people’s lives.
• Develop knowledge of culturally appropriate referral agencies where available.