Action plans detailed as part of the Aged Care Diversity Framework can assist providers to identify actions they could take to deliver more inclusive and culturally appropriate services for consumers. It acknowledges that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all approach to diversity and that each provider will be starting from a different place and operating in a different context.
The Aged Care Diversity Framework
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that aged care is inclusive of consumers from all walks of life. Everyone should be able to access information and receive services that are appropriate for their characteristics and life experiences.
Launched in December 2017, the Aged Care Diversity Framework (the Framework) is a key part of achieving this. This overarching set of actions aims to support all diverse older people.
The Framework recognises that there are many commonalities within and between diverse groups. It covers distinct action plans that aim to address barriers faced by older:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, and Intersex peoples
The plan can help providers identify actions they could take to deliver more inclusive and culturally appropriate services. It acknowledges that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to diversity. Rather, each provider will be starting from a different place and operating in a different context.
These action plans are designed so that providers can work through three levels of actions:
- Foundational
- Next Steps
- Leading the Way
Providers can then decide which are most relevant to their organisation, in consultation with consumers, their support people, and staff.
To review and download the Aged Care Diversity Framework document, click on the brochure cover.
The Aged Care Quality Standards
Delivery of safe and inclusive services to people with diverse needs and life experiences is built into the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Diversity is woven through the standards and underpinned by Standard 1 to value the identity, culture, and diversity of each consumer and to deliver culturally safe care and services. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will assess aged care providers based on the quality of service experienced by service users (consumers).
To read more about the Aged Care Quality Standards, review Standard 1: Consumer Dignity and Choice. Click on the image to open the document.
The Benefits of Diversity
There are many benefits for providers in taking action to provide better services to diverse groups. These include opportunities to:
- Celebrate successes with consumers, their support people and the wider community;
- Engage with new groups of potential consumers;
- Improve the wellbeing and satisfaction of consumers;
- Build new partnerships with the community;
- Increase the vibrancy of the service environment;
- Demonstrate to employees with diverse backgrounds and life experience that they are valued.
Actions to support inclusive care for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers
The guide goes through six outcomes, taken from the Aged Care Diversity Framework, which provide a guide for assessing current performance, identifying gaps, and designing pathways to improve inclusive
service provision.
Each outcome has example actions to support providers.
If you would like to read the full guide, please click here.
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