On 28 April, the Federal Government released a new resource to guide the design of aged care homes that are culturally safe, respectful, and healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
It was developed in partnership with design experts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, a range of individuals and groups who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge and community leadership to aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
It complements the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines to help aged care providers, architects and designers create homes that support dignity, culture and wellbeing.
It expands on the Design Principles and Guidelines by offering design guidance to help support cultural safety.
This resource offers guidance for designing aged care homes that reflect the values, traditions and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It promotes the design of environments that are deeply connected to Country and Island Home, culture and community, while also being trauma-aware and healing-informed places to live.
It is primarily intended to guide aged care home providers and the design professionals they engage to build or renew their aged care homes. It is also for:
- older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and advocates
- health care professionals
- staff delivering services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and
- regulators and policymakers across government.
This resource is underscored by the importance of collaborating and partnering with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities when building, refurbishing or undertaking minor works in aged care homes.
Through collaborative and culturally safe design, these homes can support older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to age with dignity, connection and holistic wellbeing.
To learn more and access the resource, click HERE