Two older Aboriginal women with dementia sitting at an outdoor table, engaged in conversation

 

Article written by Beverley Ford

 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is one of the oldest and most diverse cultures in the world, with over 250 languages spoken and a multitude of cultural traditions in use. A minority group in Australia, comprising 3% of the total population, with 25% living in remote areas. Like many populations around the world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are living longer lives and, as such, the number of people aged over 50 years (the eligible age for government-funded aged care services) is rapidly growing. The rate of dementia for this cohort is 3 to 5 times higher than in the general Australian population. This issue is made worse by a lack of awareness about dementia and available aged care services, which contributes to poorer health outcomes for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

 

The Good Spirit, Good Life framework was launched and endorsed by the Minister for Indigenous Australians in 2020. It’s considered the world’s first validated quality of life toolkit for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing aged care. The framework was created to address the need for a culturally appropriate way to measure wellbeing for this population, focusing on factors like connection to country, family, and spirituality. At the centre of the toolkit is a 12-point model of ‘good spirit for a good life’ specifically designed to capture what matters to older First Nations people. Uniquely, the model focuses on strengths rather than barriers.  

Diagram of the Good Spirit Life Framework

This framework’s purpose is to provide a holistic and culturally informed approach to care that goes beyond a Western biomedical model. Another useful resource for supporting older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with dementia is the Caring for Spirit project, which offers online dementia education for those living with dementia, careers and the community.

Caring for Spirit project, which offers online dementia education for those living with dementia, careers and the community.

The Holdsworth Diversity and Cultural Inclusion policy states  “Holdsworth will engage with clients in a way that supports them to feel safe, welcomed, included and understood”  

Holdsworth staff will:  

  • Demonstrate respect for cultural or religious customs and health practices, by conversing with an open mind, and a non-judgemental approach, using open-ended questions where possible. 
  • Reflect on your personal cultural identity and potential biases on an ongoing basis to determine any potential improvements that can be made to the interaction you have with clients. 
  • Actively seek information from clients about their customs, culture and beliefs where it may affect the provision of service, e.g. culturally appropriate diet preferences like kosha meals.