As of Wednesday, the Federal Government has launched an exciting new initiative aimed at helping some of Australia’s most vulnerable figure out the best options for them when it comes to aged care. The radio project has been designed to help around 50,000 families and their seniors access relevant and up to date information on aged care options.
Those who are new to a country, its language and processes face the greatest obstacles to finding and accessing quality health and aged care. This project is an exciting development for those in our Australian communities who need it most.
The $1 million project entitled Speak My Language was launched on Wednesday by the Minister for Aged Care, Mr. Ken Wyatt. He said the project has been created for and will continue to seek to play a vital role in helping multicultural communities access and be informed about aged care options.
The weekly broadcasts are striving to deliver information to 25 language groups. The first groups that are set to be rolled out are Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Serbian, Macedonian, Hindi and Arabic language programs.
Speaking into the difficulties of navigating a new health and aged care system, Mr. Wyatt said it can daunting, even for native English speakers to figure out the best options for them.
“Cultural diversity in our aged care system is set to increase in future years. With 45 per cent of Australians born overseas, or with at least one parent who was, multicultural Australia has become contemporary mainstream Australia,” he said in explaining the context of the radio initiative, and subsequently why it is so necessary.
Continuing he stated, “It is essential that this diversity is reflected in how we deliver aged care now and in the future.”
The project is being funded through the Commonwealth’s Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund and importantly, the project is partnering with the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW.
An inclusive, supportive Australia, especially for our seniors, bodes well for all.