The federal government has launched a scheme to help vulnerable Australians, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, access appropriate and high quality aged care.

The Aged Care System Navigator trials will be rolled out across Australia at 61 locations.

They will be delivered by a consortium of 31 consumer-focused organisations, led by aged peak body COTA Australia, with the aim of identifying which types of supports achieve the best outcomes for older Australians.

The trials have been designed to help older Australians, their families and friends better access aged care services.

The trials will involve a mix of services, including: education or group support sessions, group activities may be in the form of webinars and seminars or small group talks.

They are designed to help people be aware of how to access aged care services.

There will also be individual one-on-one support sessions. These may involve one-on-one assistance with My Aged Care, filling in forms, and with more complex needs to be delivered by specialist support workers

CALD and aged care groups have welcomed the move and the extra government funding for the initiative that will go some way to and ensuring vulnerable older Australians – in particular the CALD community, older Australians with dementia, older Australians at risk of homelessness, ATSI communities and LGBTQI people – will form a core part of the trial.

Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils (FECCA) of Australia President Mary Patetsos said the trail was a positive step in ensuring people from CALD backgrounds could access appropriate aged care.

“Many older Australians from the CALD community find it difficult to access aged care information and services that are sensitive to their cultural backgrounds and circumstances,” Ms Patetsos said.

“Every older Australian, regardless of their social, linguistic and religious needs, deserves access to respectful and inclusive aged care services, free from discrimination and exclusion.

“The trial is an important step to put in actual practice the Aged Care Diversity Action Plan and support inclusive care for vulnerable older Australians,” she said.

Laurie Nowell 

AMES Australia Senior Journalist