Supporting diverse communities

Australia is home to a huge variety of cultures and communities, each with unique perspectives, backgrounds, languages and values. This is also true among care and support workers and the people they support. The care and support sector is very welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds.

People who need care and support will often feel more comfortable and have better outcomes when their care or support worker is from a similar cultural background. This can be because their care or support worker speaks the same language as them. But it can also be because a shared understanding of culture, faith, social norms and values can help them feel connected and improve their emotional wellbeing.

As a care or support worker, it can be easier for you to understand the needs of the person you support, their challenges and how to help them achieve their goals when you come from a similar background.

Of course, every person is different, and the type of support you provide will vary. This can be due to the reason the person needs support. For example, it may be because they are getting older, experiencing mental health problems or have a disability. Each person will also have different goals they want to achieve.

The support you provide might include:

• domestic assistance, such as house cleaning, shopping, laundry, bill paying or doing errands
• personal care, such as help with showering, toileting, dressing, eating or moving around the house
• helping the person develop skills – for example, making a budget, taking public transport, preparing meals or applying for jobs
• assisting the person to participate in social outings, recreational activities and community events
• providing companionship, conversation and emotional support.

Translated resources