Moving into residential aged care can be challenging for anyone. However, for a First Nations person living with dementia, this change can be particularly overwhelming. Taking a relationship-based approach to care for each individual is essential.
These practical tips can help preserve the cultural connections of the First Nations person as they transition to residential aged care.
Get to know the person
- talk to the person and family respectfully to understand their story and cultural history, if they are comfortable telling it
- understand how the person likes to be spoken to and referred to
- find out the person's likes and dislikes. Understand their past routines such as, what time the person wakes up, eats meals or has a shower
Create a comforting care environment
Connection to Country and the environment are part of a First Nations person's identity. Being taken from Country can be distressing.
- ensure the person can recognise their own room by decorating with personal photos, favourite rug, paintings or other meaningful items. Consider incorporating a familiar scent or fragrance.
- ask the family member to take the person out to visit places they are connected to and do activities they enjoy
- acknowledge significant dates and events such as Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
Hear from experts in care of First Nations people
Dementia care experts Stephanie Charlesworth and Meghan Heatrick and Professor Dawn Bessarab, share their experiences in supporting First Nations people in care. They discuss the current environment of care of First Nations peoples, what culturally aware care looks like for First Nations people and what tools and resources they have found useful in supporting First Nations people.
If your family member is a survivor of the Stolen Generation, they may need extra support during this time of transition. Organisations like Dementia Support Australia can help, with advice and tailored resources.