Diversity refers to what makes each of us unique including our personal characteristics, attributes and what is important to us.
Diversity and differences should be celebrated, respected, and appreciated to ensure every individual is included. For older people to have a positive and dignified ageing experience we must consider diversity and inclusion within Aged Care service delivery. It is necessary to respond appropriately to the diverse experiences and needs of eligible older people; reducing marginalisation, disadvantage and improving access to appropriate service delivery.The
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) recognises that older people display the same diversity of characteristics and life experiences as the broader population and need to receive services which reflect their diverse needs. Each person may have specific social, cultural, linguistic, religious, spiritual, psychological, medical and care needs and may also identify with many diverse characteristics.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for older people will assist in ensuring there is equitable and accessible services for all. Diversity Planning is an important part of this. Understanding your community, who is present in your local community and what are some of the barriers these people are facing in accessing services will assist with:
Identifying any gaps in service delivery
Provide suggestions on how identified gaps could be remedied and
Assist with applying a person-centred care approach in line with the Aged Care Quality Stndards.
A whole of organisation approach to diversity planning is encouraged by linking it to quality improvement processes and accreditation standards. Understanding and embedding the principles of the National Aged Care Diversity Framework, and Action Plans within your continuous improvement plans is important.
