Key Takeaways
- Racism is a significant issue in the aged care industry, with 66% of aged care workers reporting witnessing an incident of racism in the workplace.
- A regional nursing home in Wollongong has implemented a program to tackle racism, which includes learning circles on cultural diversity and inclusion, and celebrations of different cultures.
- The program has led to a 93% reduction in reports of residents abusing staff and a reduction in staff turnover from 10.4% to 3.5%.
- Experts say that racism in aged care is a widespread issue that requires a cross-cutting approach, including fostering cross-cultural understanding and implementing firm processes for dealing with racism.
- Other providers are being encouraged to implement similar cultural programs to foster respect and improve care.
Introduction to the Issue
Racism has been described as the "elephant in the room" of the aged care industry, and one regional nursing home in Wollongong is taking steps to address the problem. The facility, Uniting Aged Care, has implemented a program to promote cultural diversity and inclusion, which has led to a significant reduction in reports of racism. The program was put in place after a staff member reported being racially abused, and has included learning circles on cultural diversity and inclusion, as well as celebrations of different cultures.
The Program’s Impact
The program has had a noticeable impact on the facility, with staff and residents reporting a shift in culture. Rohit Nagpal, who has worked at the centre for three years, said that the program had made a big change, and that everyone gets together and better understands each other. Resident Steven Visser said that the centre feels more alive and buoyant since the program started, and that having celebrations of different cultures has brought everyone together. Jasvir Kaur, who has worked at the centre for two years, said that there has been a shift in the culture, and that no-one says anything to make you feel like you are from a different world or country.
The Importance of Addressing Racism
Experts say that racism in aged care is a widespread issue that requires a cross-cutting approach. La Trobe University professor of health communication in society, Bianca Brijnath, said that there is a lack of research into racism in aged care, but it is a known and widespread issue. She said that various factors are at play, including illnesses such as dementia, which can lead to out-of-character or uninhibited behaviour. Dr Brijnath also said that there can be a cultural disconnect between an increasingly migrant workforce in aged care and the demographic of older Australians.
Implementation and Results
The program at Uniting Aged Care has included the creation of a new Cultural Champions Committee, which brings together staff, residents, and family members to organise celebrations of major holidays. The committee has organised events such as Diwali celebrations, Philippines day, and Netherlands day, which have been well-received by staff and residents. The program has also led to a reduction in staff turnover, from 10.4% to 3.5%, and a 93% reduction in reports of residents abusing staff. Registered nurse Asmita Pandey said that since the program started, she and other staff members feel more comfortable speaking up about incidents, and that they can get support from management.
Encouragement to Other Providers
Facility manager Liam Fawell encouraged other providers to implement their own cultural programs, saying that it is not a too-hard-basket thing, and that anyone can be the change they want to see in their home. Dr Brijnath said that organisations have to foster cross-cultural understanding, but also implement firm processes for dealing with ongoing or escalating racism in the workplace. She said that all of this together helps people feel more safe and secure at work and within the care that they’re providing. Other providers are being encouraged to implement similar cultural programs to foster respect and improve care, and to address the widespread issue of racism in aged care.