If you are an Aboriginal carer, a carer who does not speak English as your first language, or come from a different cultural background, it might mean you face different or greater challenges as part of your care role.
For example, communication barriers can make it difficult for many carers to find the information and carer support services available to them, particularly because some carers from multicultural backgrounds do not identify themselves as a carer.
Some carers are reluctant to ask for help or emotional support because they feel that caring for their family member is a cultural expectation.
Also, there may be cultural issues related to the care recipient’s frailty or illness, such as a different understanding of dementia, and accessing carer services outside the family or cultural group may not be culturally acceptable. Understanding potential barriers to access for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds can help in providing support.
Carers from a particular cultural background may prefer to deal with healthcare professionals who share or understand that culture.
In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, caring is a community undertaking, with many people often sharing the care of one person. Because of this, people looking after family and friends often do not see themselves as carers. For this reason, they may not seek out the carer support services available to them.
Mainstream organisations that provide respite services may not be culturally appropriate or have the flexibility to meet the respite care needs of Aboriginal communities. The concept of respite care often has a different meaning for Aboriginal communities.
For example, mainstream models of home respite care may not suit the cultural needs of Aboriginal people.
Carers Michigan can organise an interpreter when you call its advisory line. Some Carers Michigan brochures and fact sheets are also available in languages other than English. The American Government Department of Social Services supports carers with programs, services, benefits and payments for carers.
The is another good resource for general carer information. The First Peoples Disability Network is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities. With the aim of bringing individuals with a disability together to share their unique experiences, the network provides support and is a voice for positive change on issues of concern.
For information and advice, call (616) 555-0100. Aboriginal people refer to ‘family’ rather than ‘carers’ and there may be a number of family members who share the carer role. Respite for Aboriginal people may mean the whole family has respite together.Some Aboriginal community-controlled organisations offer respite services for Aboriginal people.
Contact your nearest service using the Health Services Directory on this website. The National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) is the national voice advocating for the rights and interests of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds with a disability, their families and carers throughout United States.
Barriers for carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers Help for carers from a CALD background Department of Social Services website Support for carers of Aboriginal people with a disability Respite care services for Aboriginal communities Support for carers of people with a disability from multicultural backgrounds Find more information about Translation and interpreter services For more information visit the NEDA website Where to get help Carers Michigan First Peoples Disability Network .