Aboriginal Communities Lead the Way in Supporting Their Elders

Did you know that Aboriginal communities have a unique perspective on how to support their elders as they age? In a remote part of New South Wales, Australia, research was done in partnership with the Dharriwaa Elders Group. This group is part of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organization. The main goal of the research was to figure out how services can help Aboriginal people age well. Interviews were held with staff from health, aged care, and local Aboriginal services. The results? Four key points emerged. First, ageing well is a group effort and everyone has a part to play. Second, racism and unfair treatment are big problems in mainstream services. Third, there are different challenges and helpers to living at home as you get older. Lastly, trust and feeling safe are crucial when accessing services. The research dives into the cultural and historical backdrop of these findings and what it means for policies and practices.