An Interactive Slide Show for staff of Community Organisations. Produced by Carer Support and the State Government of South Australia

Transcription

1 An Interactive Slide Show for staff of Community Organisations Produced by Carer Support and the State Government of South Australia

2 Learning objectives An understanding of: historical and cultural factors, and how they impact on the caring role family structures and values, and how they impact on the caring role approaches to working effectively with carers in the Aboriginal community

3 Contents How to view this slide show Part 1: Impact of history and culture on the caring role Video Discussion Part 2: Impact of family structures and values on the caring role Video Discussion Part 3: Messages for staff of community organisations Video Discussion Part 4: Key messages and resources

4 How to view this slide show Open and print the worksheet embedded on the right (optional) (in edit mode: double-click on the icon) View the slides at your own pace Watch the videos Respond to the questions following each video, either by: if watching with others, discussing with others and noting your thoughts i.e. on the worksheet If watching alone, reflecting and noting your thoughts i.e. on the worksheet

5 Impact of history and culture on the caring role

6 Please watch the below video

7 Discussion What are some factors raised in the video? Please note your initial thoughts, i.e. on your worksheet

8 Discussion What are some factors raised in the video? Historical Pressure to assimilate into Western culture loss of cultural identity Prevalent racism and social exclusion Lack of awareness of the diversity of Aboriginal cultures and communities Past experience with agencies such as police or welfare As a consequence, many Aboriginal carers are reluctant to access mainstream services

9 Discussion What are some factors raised in the video? Cultural Caring for family, including extended family, is a common occurrence and is rarely questioned by those taking on the caring responsibilities Caring arrangements can be complex; for example: Carers may care for several persons Persons receiving care may have several carers Caring arrangements may be reciprocal Carers may undertake a range of tasks not typically associated with caring roles. As a consequence, caring situations often go unnoticed and carers are not adequately supported

10 Discussion How would this affect the way you work with carers in the Aboriginal community? Please note your thoughts, i.e. on your worksheet

11 Impact of family structures and values on the caring role

12 Please watch the below video

13 Discussion What are some factors raised in the video? Please note your initial thoughts, i.e. on your worksheet

14 Discussion What are some factors raised in the video? Caring is part of what families do, and people who provide care rarely label themselves carers The complexity of family relationships is reflected in the complexity of caring roles It is common that a large number of people, i.e. extended family and multiple generations, lives in the same house Extended family can be a valuable source of support for carers Carers may be reluctant to agree to home visits out of fear of being judged for the way they live Caring roles can be complicated when families are involved with police or welfare agencies Reluctance to seek assistance with medical issues can result in caring situations remaining undetected Where a person who requires care has children, it is not uncommon for the carer to take on parenting on top of caring responsibilities

15 Discussion How would this affect the way you work with carers in the Aboriginal community? Please note your thoughts, i.e. on your worksheet

16 Messages for community organisations

17 Please watch the below video

18 Discussion What are some messages raised in the video? Please note your initial thoughts, i.e. on your worksheet

19 Discussion The following slide displays comments drawn from the interviews, and other feedback received from carers and staff Please consider the notes you made, i.e. on your worksheet, as you reflect on the following comments

20 Keep an open mind don t judge what you see at people s houses Avoiding eye contact is polite in some communities, particularly in cross-gender interactions Anything else you can think of?...

21 Discussion From all you have heard and seen in this slide show, what are the key messages you will take home with you as an individual friend or family member? as a carer? as a worker in the sector? as a champion for carers? Please note your thoughts, i.e. on your worksheet

22 Key messages and resources

23 Key messages Think about: What ideas will I take back to my workplace? What new practices will I use in future? How will I be more effective in working with carers in the Aboriginal community?

24 Key messages Due to historical and cultural factors, Aboriginal carers are less likely to identify or be identified as carers, or to access supports from mainstream services. Complex family structures and traditional values influence how family members care for each other, how caring is viewed, and how community organisations need to approach and support carers. Whilst Aboriginal groups and cultures are diverse, there are things that can be done to better support carers in Aboriginal communities. These include: Respecting their privacy, culture and right not to be judged for how they live Communicating in a culturally sensitive manner Investing in Aboriginal staff, a culturally aware workforce and meeting spaces that are welcoming for Aboriginal people Responding to the complexity of caring roles by offering multi-faceted and flexible supports Supporting carers in the context of their family and social networks.

25 Resources and links Printable materials accompanying this slide show can be downloaded on the Carer Support and DCSI websites: Downloadable & printable copy of this slide show The complete Caring in the Aboriginal Community video Caring in the Aboriginal Community: A Guide for Community Agencies The Carer Support website also has information about support options for Aboriginal carers

26 We hope this slide show has been useful