REMH2001 Indigenous Ageing

This topic provides students with opportunities to develop key skills and knowledge that will enable them to work with older Indigenous people. The topic will begin with information about the history of colonisation of Indigenous people in Australia to develop an understanding of the impact on social and emotional well-being. Students will learn about frameworks of cultural safety and cultural responsiveness as well as examine critical race theory and white privilege. They will gain understanding of the particular roles of older people in Indigenous communities. They will develop skills in appropriate communication which will include appropriate assessment methods as well as care considerations. They will learn about particular health conditions that are prevalent in Indigenous elderly populations. They will also learn about the role of Indigenous community controlled organisations and current aged care policies that apply to Indigenous people. Both practical and ethical issues will be covered in the topic.

This topic aims to develop skills in working with older Indigenous people and their carers who are living in remote, rural or metropolitan communities. There will be an emphasis on providing culturally safe aged care services to people which will emphasise appropriate communication.

1. Describe the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the effect of colonisation on the health and wellbeing of older people
2. Apply frameworks of cultural safety, and cultural responsiveness to working in the aged care sector
3. Communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders demonstrating an understanding of cultural issues including the role of older people in diverse Indigenous communities
4. Describe current aged care policies and their effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and service provision
5. Be aware of, and respond to practical, ethical and particular health issues which are relevant to older Indigenous Australians, their families and communities
6. Have sufficient knowledge of government policies regarding aged care for Indigenous people to effectively plan and implement services