Key considerations: Elder abuse and neglect

Providing a service that is safe and respectful for CALD older people (Glasgow & Fanslow, 2006).

• Where required, provide professional interpreters.
• Where possible, use gender-appropriate practitioners.
• Recognise that relationship building is a process that takes time and ensure a non-judgmental and respectful communication style, tone and language.
• Record the ethnicity and the primary language of the older person and your inclusion of cultural/religious considerations. Where physical evidence and photographs are required, provide adequate support and explanation, and ensure that processes are sensitive to cultural/religious considerations.
• Develop your knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of abuse in Asian/MELAA communities

Ensuring CALD older people are not only supported but also empowered

• Select interpreters with care and ensure the role of the interpreter is clearly defined and confidentiality is assured. Have persons available who can speak the same language as the older person.
• Provide support based on an understanding of the context for CALD older people, including the effects of migration, refugee resettlement and religious or cultural conditioning.
• Recognise that for solutions to be meaningful to CALD older people, other sectors may need to be involved (e.g., Work & Income; Housing New Zealand; Immigration New Zealand).
• Provide advice on the resources available and legal protection and prevention systems.

Assessment

• Offer reassurance to older person from ethnic communities that there are services that can help, and offer referral.
• Recognise the diversity of definitions and experiences of violence, and the barriers to asking for and receiving support.

Safety planning

• Know your local community referral agencies with expertise in abuse and offer the choice of an ethnic-specific elder abuse advocate, where available.
• Do not assume the family, religious or ethnic community leaders should be involved – ask the older person what plan of action they want.

Referrals

Ensure contact details are available for people and community groups with the necessary knowledge and skills for working with older people in CALD communities.