Strong workforce needed to deliver First Nations aged care

If the Elder Care Support program is to have a true impact on the health and wellbeing of First Nations older people there needs to be a strong workforce comprising of trusted members of the communities they serve, a recent industry event has heard.

Speaking at the inaugural Elder Care Support Yarning Circle hosted by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation last month, its executive director Monica Barolits-McCabe told delegates: “We know that health and wellbeing are the foundations of strong communities. But to truly make an impact, we need to ensure that our health workforce is strong, resilient and trusted members of the communities they serve.”  

Building such a workforce, said Ms Barolits-McCabe, isn’t just important – “it’s essential”. And it’s more than just numbers, she added. “It’s about nurturing a team that understands the unique needs and cultural backgrounds of our people. A workforce that’s committed to delivering care that’s culturally safe and responsive to our Elders.”

Launched in June 2022, the Elder Care Support program is a $106-million federal government initiative to provide face-to-face support to help First Nations people access aged care services. A further $115 million will go towards the building of culturally safe aged care facilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander seniors.

At the core of the co-designed program lies a deep respect for Elders and older First Nations people, said Ms Barolits-McCabe. “They are the spirit of our communities. They are the custodians of our culture, the keepers of our stories and the heartbeats of our families. Ensuring our Elders and older people receive the care they deserve is not just a priority – it’s a sacred duty.”

Ms Barolits-McCabe said the program goes beyond Western models of care. “The ECS program recognises the caring for Elders is not just about medical needs. It’s about social, emotional and cultural support. This holistic approach ensures that our Elders continue to lead fulfilling lives, connected to land, homes and the community that they hold dear.”

Delegates on the Gold Coast were told that the First Nations population is ageing rapidly. In the next decade, the population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over is projected to double to almost 250,000 people.

This is “likely to present major challenges for aged care and health care providers to respond to the increased service needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders,” said Ms Barolits-McCabe.

The aged care royal commission recommended an expansion of culturally safe care, as well as a culturally informed approach. “The Elder Care Support program mirrors and embraces this recommendation,” said Ms Barolits-McCabe. “The ECS program represents a critical step towards creating a safe and high-quality approach to health and aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

To ensure the continued success and expansion of the program, Ms Barolits-McCabe told delegates ongoing funding and support are essential. “This commitment will enable us to meet the growing needs of our ageing population and ensure that our Elders receive the care and respect they deserve,” she said. “Together, we are building more than just a program – we a crafting a legacy of care that will echo through the generations.”

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