Culturally Sensitive Care for the Elderly: A Nursing Perspective in Australia-Reflective Analysis

Introduction:

According to Ogrin et al. (2020), the services provided in nursing practice targets diverse populations including minority groups. The diversity of minority groups in Australian society is reflected in the different ethnic groups that constitute of Australian, British, Irish, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Australian Aboriginal 15.8% others etc.

This report provides insight into the care plan for the elderly population in residential care homes adhering to relevant standards and guidelines, focusing on the Australian population. The report, suggests that nursing should be inclusive of all cultures within the population being cared for. This study examines the impact of socioeconomic determinants of health on the elderly and the differences in health service provision. Here we see discuss the challenges and effects of the health outcomes of the patients. Finally, three specific standards for registered nurses are discussed; as to provide culturally sensitive care.

 Old People in Residential Care:

In Australia, older people who can no longer care for themselves at home are eligible for residential care. Thus facilities, infrastructure and staff are provided 24/7 for personal care along with accommodation, nursing and other health facilities. When an older person reaches the point where they can no longer live independently and often need financial support for hospital care, their concern is catered to by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). World Health Organization has stated that Australia's ageing population is diverse and has many public health implications (Clarnette et al., 2018).

Social Determinants of Health on Elderly in Residential Care:

Figure 1 (The Social Determinants of Health, n.d.)

Figure 1 explains the social determinants of health that how economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, education, food, community and healthcare provided can influence the health outcomes of mortality, morbidity, life expectancy, healthcare expenditures, health status and functional limitations. Frier et al. (2021) state that the proportion of the world's population over 60 will increase to 22% by 2050 at a rate of 10% per year, thus there will be a need for patient-centered care for the elderly. In Australia, like everywhere else healthcare is influenced by the social determinants of health (SDOH).

Where genetics plays an important role in country's population aging, the environment in which one lives has great influence; the maintenance and development of healthy behaviours throughout life is an important factor in dealing with the health consequences of the aging population in the long run.  Anger, anxiety, racism, childhood trauma, bullying, economic inequality, etc. are important social factors of health in racially diverse older populations (Young et al., 2020).

Researches show significant differences in the incidence of heart attacks and strokes between the lowest and highest socioeconomic levels. Those considered at the bottom of the society were four times more likely to die from heart diseases than those considered at the top. Where factors such as sun exposure, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc. and other lifestyle risk factors including stress and depression remain prevalent in all social groups (Abud et al., 2022).