New program will help CALD dementia caregivers

A new research project will aim to provide support and resources for dementia patient carers from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Flinders University released a new program aimed at developing a support system that addresses numerous problems faced by people with dementia and their caregivers with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Professor Lily Xiao from Flinders University led the project called iSupport. She said the project was important for carers and people with dementia to have support available readily.

“We know that many informal carers from diverse backgrounds do not have readily accessible resources and information in their preferred language,” Professor Xiao said.

“Carers face challenges to access, utilise and manage care services due to structural discrimination in the care system.”

“Our experience in working with the CALD community and research helped us propose this project of a culturally tailored iSupport dementia care model.”

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported 67 per cent of people with dementia were born in non-English-speaking countries and had limitations in the community they resided in.

The report also found that 47 per cent of people with dementia from a CALD background relied heavily on informal carers rather than formal services.

A report by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission stated the importance of services being designed with CALD backgrounds in mind due to cultural and language barriers.

“Considerations may include providing information in a number of languages and ensuring the availability of interpreters, food choices, access and respect of cultural practices and family, and general independence.”

Professor Xiao said it was important for support systems to be accessible to caregivers and designed for members of the CALD community.

“By creating and implementing our system into routine dementia care services in multiple languages, we will bring a paradigm shift to the current system,” Professor Xiao told Aged Care Insite.

“This will improve the health and quality of life for both the caregivers and their families.”

One of the partnerships for the program included the residents at Bolton Clarke Victoria.

Bolton Clarke’s senior research fellow Claudia Meyer said the program was essential to help and support caregivers.

“Studies have found that CALD carers experienced emotional distress but rarely sought help due to a lack of specialist services and feelings of stigma and shame,” Ms Meyer said.

“Bolton Clarke supports around 5000 home care clients with a formal diagnosis of dementia and others with cognitive impairment.” 

“This program will improve the quality of life and reduce social isolation for carers.”

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