‘Respect us as humans, not as a number or just another job.’
That was the message from National Older Persons Reference Group member Philip Hodges during OPAN’s Diversity, identity and belonging: making sure every older person is included in aged care webinar.
His sentiment was echoed by fellow member Danijela Hlis.
‘We need assurance that we are looked upon as human beings, that we are not neglected. . . that I am enabled to celebrate life at old age,’ she said.
As members of the group shared what person-centered aged care looks like to them, one thing became clear: being respected, valued and genuinely included looks different from one older person to the next.
A right to respect
OPAN’s October webinar explored what it means for aged care providers to recognise, respect and respond to each person’s unique identity, background and life experiences.
There are now stronger foundations for more inclusive aged care embedded in legislation. The Aged Care Act 2024 includes a Statement of Rights that recognises older people’s rights to autonomy and independence, equitable access, and person-centered communication.
The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards also require providers to support, welcome and value an older person’s identity, background, ability, culture, beliefs and personal experiences – and use that understanding to shape how their care is delivered.
But meaningful change depends on those rights being genuinely reflected in everyday care.
Understanding diversity
During the webinar, OPAN Diversity Lead Anthony van Ballegooij highlighted the broad meaning of ‘diversity’.
‘Often people’s minds immediately go to cultural diversity or LGBTI. . . and that is an absolute integral and important part when it comes to recognising and respecting someone’s identity and diversity – but it’s so much broader than just that,’ he said.
‘There is so much diversity within diversity.’
Anthony explained that diversity includes many different characteristics and experiences, including where people live, their health, culture, faith, language, sexuality, gender identity, neurodiversity and life circumstances.
He also stressed that there is no single way to support people from a particular community or background. ‘People aren’t monoliths,’ he said.
Instead, providers need to understand intersectionality, or how different parts of a person’s identity and life experiences come together to shape who they are and what support they may need.
‘It’s important to remember that the older person themselves is the expert on their experiences and diversity,’ Anthony said.
More than a clinical approach
Meaningful Ageing Australia CEO Rachael Wass emphasised that clinical care is only part of what makes aged care meaningful.
‘Clinical care is essential, but it’s not the whole of care,’ she said.
‘A person can be clinically safe, but still feel unknown, powerless, lonely or disconnected from everything that gives life meaning.’
Supporting wellbeing also means addressing their emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs.
‘That might mean sustaining relationships using a person’s chosen name, enabling familiar rituals, creating opportunities for purpose, supporting grief where that happens, respecting identity and making room for joy,’ Rachael said.
‘It’s about understanding the whole person.’
She cautioned against ‘prescribing connection’, pointing out that while some people flourish in groups, others just need one trusted relationship. The best way to understand what matters most to an older person is to ask: “what should we know about you to help you feel safe, respected and at home?”.
Importantly, those conversations should continue over time. ‘Good care should also revisit these conversations – identity is not static.’
Rachael highlighted that inclusive care should not depend on a single staff member, but be embedded across every part of a service, from assessments and workforce training to food, environments and complaints processes.
‘One size fits one,’ she said.
Learn more
Watch the webinar replay to learn more about an older person’s right to person-centered care, what inclusive practice looks like in aged care, and what happens if rights are not respected.
Register for OPAN’s free in-person diversity training workshops for providers.
Enrol in OPAN’s free online Diversity eLearning Program course for providers.
Access OPAN’s Self-advocacy Toolkit for older people.