SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (VIC) CARING FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
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Southern Cross Care (Vic) embraces the cultural diversity of residents, clients, staff and community members, and is guided by the aspiration that older people “live well, love life and participate within a just and inclusive community”.We demonstrate our commitment to cultural diversity in all facets of organisational life, from the meals our chefs prepare to activity programs such as the weekly tai chi class conducted in English and Mandarin at the Springvale Residential Home.
Staff at our residential aged care homes and in our care at home services represent a wide range of nationalities and cultures. The staff at SCC (Vic)’s Lynbrook Residential Home, Cardinal Knox Village in Dandenong and Springvale Residential Home are particularly diverse, reflecting the multicultural communities in which they are located.
Our Italian-specific aged care home in North Fitzroy, Casa Elda Vaccari, is a wonderful community, designed specifically to cater to the Italian culture. All staff speak Italian and the lifestyle and culinary programs are designed expressly to provide for Italian residents.
Respecting Client Diversity
Our staff support clients with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, however we have Italian and Greek specific Aged Care Packages in our Community Services Northern Region. Staff design packages of care that take into account the cultural needs of those from these communities, with staff being sensitively matched with clients. Wherever possible, staff who speak the same language provide the in-home services.
All SCC (Vic) staff are aware of the need to assist clients in a way that demonstrates respect and support for their personal, social, religious, cultural or sexual preferences.
Where possible and appropriate, our Community Support Workers are matched to the client’s preferences and those staff from CALD backgrounds are matched with clients from the same background.
The Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) is available for all clients - if you require this service please ask one of our staff members to assist you.
SCC (Vic) staff members may also provide services to veterans and war widows/widowers. Veterans have been assigned what is called “special needs” status under the Aged Care Act. The decision to grant ‘special needs’ status to veterans was based on the rapid ageing of the veteran population, their unique cultural identity and the sacrifices endured by their service and of their spouses. Staff aim to uphold SCC (Vic)’s Guiding Principles and act with dignity, integrity and show respect for all clients, including members of the veteran community.
If you would like to view the Australian Government Aged Care Information Sheets in one of 17 different languages, please click here.
