Greek-Specific Aged Care Services
Quality aged care aims for high levels of client comfort and well-being, high health outcomes and positive relationships between clients and carers/practitioners. Communication in your client’s preferred language and understanding of their cultural background are important to these aims.
Greek-specific aged care services are preferred by most elderly Greek people and their families because of the ease of communication that a common language base and cultural background usually bring. As many elders will develop forms of dementia, and as most revert to the use of their original language as they age, Greek-specific services are an even more important care option.
However, for reasons of geography and availability of places (whether in residential facilities or community service settings), older Greek-Australians often use mainstream services. Here, sensitivity to cultural issues is greatly valued by clients.
Advice for Mainstream Providers
Mainstream practitioners and providers are encouraged to become familiar with Greek-specific aged care providers, who can provide support and information. These services can help with strategies to promote cultural inclusion and participation, with the aim of positive health outcomes and client well-being.
Greek-specific aged care services wish to explore ways of sharing ideas and increasing opportunities for collaborative initiatives. Greek-specific aged care services can:
- strengthen your knowledge of available resources (e.g. translated Greek material)
- explore culturally sensitive care models and strategies
- suggest a broad range of suitable activities and how to develop them
- provide referrals to brokerage services (e.g. Greek-speaking direct care workers)
