Every older Australian deserves access to safe, high-quality, aged care, close to the ones they love and the places they call home.
Today, the Albanese Labor Government is releasing a new resource to help aged care providers design homes that are culturally safe, respectful and supportive for First Nations Australians.
Designed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged care providers and design experts, this new guidance reflects a wide range of perspectives and priorities to complement the existing National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines, and ensure homes are catering to the needs of First Nations people.
The guidance is practical and flexible. It helps providers make design decisions that respond to the needs and preferences of their residents - and embed cultural safety where it matters most.
Good design can be transformative for people's experience through the aged care system - and for those who care for older people. We encourage providers, architects and designers to take this guidance and use it.
To learn more and access the resource, visit the Department's website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri Mccarthy:
"Our Elders are an important part of our families and communities, and they deserve to have access to high-quality care in their later years.
"This new guidance, designed in partnership with First Nations people, will help ensure more aged care homes are culturally safe, respectful and supportive for our Elders."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Sam Rae:
"Designing principles for First Nations people, with First Nations people, is a non-negotiable for this Government."
"This guidance will help providers deliver better aged care for elders in every community - and it's another step towards our promise: safe, dignified, high-quality aged care for every older Australian, no matter where they live."
