Barriers to the provision of home and community care services to culturally and linguistically diverse populations in rural Australia

Abstract

In 2002, qualitative methods in the form of in-depth interviews and focus groups were used to gather data from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population residents, service providers and key stakeholders across rural Victoria, to identify and describe barriers to the effective delivery of home services to people from CALD populations in rural Australia. Barriers to the provision of Home and Community Care (HACC) services to CALD populations in rural areas were not specific to HACC programs. For CALD residents, barriers included lack of information about the range of available services, cultural factors, and negative past and recent experiences in dealing with both the broader community and service providers. Service providers indicated lack of information about the profile of the local CALD population and lack of experience in working with these groups to be barriers. Communication was also an issue both for CALD residents and service providers, in terms of cultural factors and specific communication strategies such as inadequate printed material and under-utilisation of existing resources such as interpreter services. As one of the world?s most ethno-culturally diverse nations, Australia has a responsibility to provide health services that are culturally responsive and acceptable. Greater attention needs to be given to the needs of rural CALD population groups in accessing home services.