Diversity resources

Terminology
Please note: Many of the concepts and characteristics described in this training do not have universally agreed definitions or consistent ways of using terminology.  We recognise that language around diversity and service delivery is constantly evolving.  Our choice of terminology has been guided by our key stakeholders who represent experts in the field, peak bodies, specialist agencies and service providers.  The Department of Health, Ageing and Disability is also working on developing consistent terminology for use across the sector.

For the purpose of this training, we have used the following terms:

• Clients/residents – people directly using aged care service/s (care recipient)
• Carers – informal carers, family members, friends and other support people

In alignment with the National Carer Recognition Act 2010, aged care legislation, policy and practice guidelines recognises the vital role of carers and the importance of care relationships. The Aged Care Act 2024 Statement of Principles includes that ‘carers should be considered partners with registered providers who deliver funded aged care services. Aged care providers should consider the unique needs of carers in the design of delivery of services.

Aged care providers need to demonstrate they are equipped and capable of responding to the diversity of all older people. Organisations therefore need to consider the broad diversity of all people who are eligible for aged care services. This includes:

• people who currently use your services (clients/residents and carers)
• people who attempted to use you service but couldn’t or didn’t
• people who used your service in the past (successfully or unsuccessfully)
• people who are eligible to use your service (i.e they’re in your target group) but haven’t used your service yet.

Staff / Workforce – paid and unpaid staff (volunteers) across all parts of the organisation.  Everyone has a role to play in safe and inclusive service delivery.  This includes governance and executive leaders, service delivery staff and other programs (e.g. kitchen and facilities staff, Human Resources, Quality, Communications, ITC etc.)

Glossaries of key terminology are available from:

• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) – Glossary.  Available from: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/about-us/corporate-documents/aged-care-quality-and-safety-commission-glossary
• My Aged Care – Glossary.  Available from: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/glossary
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Glossary.  Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-welfare-services/aged-care/glossary

View the full resources here for Diversity planning in aged care. 

View the full resources here for Social/Holistic models of health and wellbeing.

View the full resources here for Diversity characteristics.

View the full resources here for Intersectionality.

View the full resources here for Common barriers.

View the full resources here for Delivering safe and inclusive aged care services. 

View the full Case studies and examples here.