When Sudan was declared an Islamic State, Fozia Saeed was forced to leave her job in the Ministry of Health under the penalty of death.

After fleeing to Australia in 1996, Ms Saeed worked in the Australian health industry.

But despite a successful life in a free country, she believes a person’s past shapes their future, particularly as they age.

Ms Saeed receives in-home care from The myHomecare Group and said their staff’s ability to understand cultures and experiences was critical to her current quality of life.

“I believe that care workers need to have empathy, respect and an understanding of the health issues facing older people.”

The myHomecare Group’s General Manager, Mary Kaan said cultural understanding was critical to developing relationships, and in turn providing a quality service to clients, particularly those who were migrants.

“It helps to understand them as a person and allows them to maintain their identity and independence,” Ms Kaan said.

“It helps the individual to feel comfortable to express their wants and needs and have choice in the way these needs are met.”

Ms Kaan said aged care service providers needed to increase their understanding of culture and language, to ensure quality of life and positive mental health.

“Consideration needs to be given to the individual’s first language and whether it would be more appropriate to engage interpreting services and provide information regarding their contract and services in translated form,” she said.

“It may be important to understand the client’s social history as their experiences prior to migrating may affect the way they engage with professionals, the opposite gender or even their own family. Other considerations include social, spiritual and dietary needs.”

Ms Kaan said migrant clients may require access to medical and allied health services from practitioners from same cultural background. They may also need to be linked to social groups where language and activities are familiar or to meal services providing culturally appropriate meals.

“They may also need extra support when dealing with service agencies such as banks, telcos or the government or when making appointments,” she said.

Failing to address cultural and social sensitivities could lead to clients feeling isolated, unheard and disengaged, she said.

“They may feel they can’t discuss their concerns and may decline needed services.

“Clients may have poor health outcomes due to lack of understanding of treatments, non-compliance and barriers to access healthcare.

While cultural competency training was provided to staff in most aged care organisations, Ms Kaan said it was also important that providers embed these principles, beliefs and attitudes about cultural differences into policy.

“This ensures cultural considerations are part of all processes both for client care and staff training and management.”