Building Capacity for the Emerging Aged Care Needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities Presentation by David Ettershank - Outcomes Plus for the Cultural Diversity in Ageing Partners Network

Project Overview The project sought to identify barriers to CALD communities becoming aged care providers and to make recommendations to increase participation. The main outcome was a suite of tools that will support and build the capacity of CALD communities to meet their emerging aged care needs through a more strategic understanding of the aged care system.

The Project had three stages:  Stage 1 - a comprehensive demographic analysis by Adelaide University and Consultation with > 170 CALD communities regarding barriers to participation.  Stage 2 - the development of two documents: an Overview of the aged care system and a more comprehensive Reference Manual.  Stage 3 involved Validation of Resource Materials & Training for CALD communities who are seeking to meet the aged care needs of their communities. Project Staging

Demographic Analysis Provides data on the 30 largest CALD communities in each State and in each Department of Social Services Planning Region (2015) for two age cohorts:  the over 70 year olds (being the age group recognised in the DSS aged care planning ratios)  The over 80 year olds (being when utilisation rates start to increase significantly) Also identifies for each of these communities in each region:  Need for assistance with core activities  English language proficiency  % living alone Report should be released shortly by DSS and will be free on the DSS website.

Publications Two major resources created for CALD communities:  The Overview and Presentation ‒ designed to help communities understand the aged care industry and guide them in identifying an appropriate response to their community’s aged care needs.  The Manual ‒ a reference for CALD communities to use as a guide for applying to become an approved provider to directly deliver aged care services and to complete a competitive ACAR application.

Topics considered ….  understanding the regulatory framework  determining demand for services and using demographic data  identifying options to meet that demand  partnering with other organisations  using consultants wisely  applying to become an Approved Provider of services  completing an ACAR application. Both publications are currently in translation

Consultations & Issues Consultation included forums in all state and territory capital cities. Approximately 600 CALD organisations (including providers) were contacted; 175 organisations attended workshops or completed telephone interviews. Facilitated by PICACs with support from a range of ECCs and MRCs. Range of stakeholders were consulted directly including Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils (FECCA), Alzheimer’s Australia, the Council of the Ageing (COTA) and generalist providers.

Findings Need to stress at the outset that these are purely O+ thoughts and are not reflective of any DSS or government opinions or decisions CALD communities have widely differing needs and approaches. However, their expressed concerns were overwhelmingly similar. Level of frustration among CALD communities about complexities of the system and particularly the Approved Provider and ACAR processes. To address some of these concerns we have suggested…..

Findings: transparency My Aged Care identifying CALD specific allocations held by approved providers/facilities ‒ could apply to all special needs groups (SNG) allocations Publish ACAR results identifying all CALD priority allocations DSS downloadable service lists identifying CALD specific allocations or places Expand the capacity of the AIHW National Aged Care Data Clearinghouse to more adequately respond to queries from industry and the community

Findings: transparency Produce a standard data package that can be released with or prior to the ACAR, detailing aged care supply and demand. Initiate a program of education and audit/action to ensure allocation conditions such as CALD priority (and other SNG priorities) are being respected by providers

Findings: information Simplify the structure and language of ACAR documentation. Word limits in the application forms must allow adequate opportunity for applicants to advance the merits of their applications, recognising that for many applicants, English will not be their first language. Introduce a standard calendar for ACAR and ensure adequate timeframes for both advertising and response. ACAR advertising through major CALD community media outlets e.g. SBS radio and television.

Findings: proactive partnering Initiate a program to enhance CALD communities aged care capacity in areas such as:  connecting with potential partners and negotiating partnership agreements  developing business plans, operating models and governance frameworks  developing appropriate service models  applying for approved provider status and competing in the ACAR. That the program seek to provide expert advice and support, and to prioritise smaller and emerging CALD communities including those in regional areas.