Yarning Circle reimagines care for older First Nations peoples

The second Elder Care Support National Yarning Circle took place this week on Kaurna Country, Adelaide, bringing passionate people together with one goal; addressing the unique needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In partnership with Department of Health and Aged Care, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is in phase one of delivering an Elder Care Support Program (ECS Program), of which the Yarning Circle is one part.

The program empowers First Nations communities with supports designed to promote safe and high-quality care for Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, focussing on increasing the in-community care workforce capability for the delivery of place-based care.

“Our elders carry our culture, wisdom, and stories. Caring for them is a sacred responsibility, not simply a service,” NACCHO’s executive director Monica Barolits-McCabe said.

“Through the Elder Care Support Program, we are transforming aged care by placing culture, connection to Country, and community at its heart,” she said.

“This Yarning Circle is an opportunity to celebrate our progress, share stories of resilience, and collectively build the next chapter in Aboriginal-led aged care.”

Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly was invited to speak at the event. Her report on transforming the nation's aged care system for First Nations communities, released in February, highlighted the need for urgent reform.

Ms Kelly's report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, discussed the significant challenges experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in accessing high quality, responsive and culturally safe aged care.

It outlined four key recommendations to improve aged care in First Nations communities, including a commitment from the federal government to develop a 10-year transformation plan, co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I’m grateful to be invited and stand alongside NACCHO, who deliver this important work, because it is necessary to ensure aged care reflects the strengths, knowledge, and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Kelly said.

“I commend NACCHO and the Elder Care Support Workers who are demonstrating how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led care models can shift the system.

“The Elder Care Support Program is helping to put culture, dignity, and connection at the centre of aged care, and is helping to address some of the barriers to accessing aged care that older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have shared with me.”

Participants were invited to share stories about dementia and aged care, and also talk strategy and solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

“The Yarning Circle is a space for courage, connection, and collective action,” NACCHO said.