Discover the Heartwarming Way This Aged Care Facility Keeps WA Seniors Connected to Their Families!
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In the vast and rugged expanse of Western Australia's Pilbara region, where the red earth stretches under a boundless sky, the importance of staying connected to one's roots is as enduring as the land itself. For the elderly, particularly Indigenous Australians, maintaining this connection is not just a comfort but a cultural imperative. Yet, with aged care options scarce and often far from home, many seniors face the heart-wrenching prospect of leaving their beloved country and the rich tapestry of culture and family that defines it.
Enter the beacon of hope that is the Yaandina aged care centre in Roebourne, a facility that stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of culturally sensitive care. This not-for-profit centre is more than just a place for the elderly to reside; it's a home where Indigenous elders can live out their days immersed in the country that holds their heritage and their hearts.
The Pilbara, an area twice the size of Victoria, presents a significant challenge when it comes to finding aged care. With only two aged care centres across the region, the largest being in Port Hedland, 1,630 kilometres north of Perth, the options are limited. This scarcity often forces residents to leave their communities in search of adequate care, a move that can be especially traumatic for Indigenous elders who fear dying away from their ancestral lands.
Yaandina aged care centre is changing this narrative by allowing elders to stay on country, surrounded by the familiar landscapes and the people they love. Betty Kelly, who moved to the centre four years ago from Karratha, appreciates the open and outdoor nature of the facility, even expressing a wish for a swimming pool to add to the homely comforts.
The centre's unique approach to care, which recently earned it the top prize in the National Rural and Remote Health awards, is evident in its design and operations. The facility is crafted with an understanding of the residents' backgrounds, many of whom grew up on stations and are accustomed to the open skies and the natural environment. The open roof allows residents to gaze at the stars, a simple yet profound connection to their past.
Cultural sensitivity is woven into the fabric of Yaandina's care. Staff receive cultural training from locals and are taught about the traditions and customs unique to the area's language groups. This training is crucial, as it respects the preferences of the residents, such as male elders who may prefer female carers, in line with their cultural practices.
Language is another cornerstone of the centre's ethos. A majority of the staff are fluent in the languages of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi residents, ensuring that communication is not a barrier but a bridge to better care and understanding. Since September 2020, at least half a dozen Indigenous Australians have returned to the region to age and die on home country, a poignant indicator of the centre's success in providing culturally appropriate care.
The facility also plays a vital role in fostering intergenerational connections within the community. Pilbara Aboriginal Voice co-chair Linda Doogiebee-Dridi highlights the importance of having the younger generation work in these environments, not only to overcome language barriers but to maintain the flow of knowledge and kinship between the ages.
The significance of being able to bury elders on country and maintain a family connection through visiting and caring for grave sites cannot be overstated. It allows the living to honour the deceased, to speak with them in their language, and to feel that enduring sense of belonging that only 'country' can provide.
The Yaandina aged care centre in Roebourne is more than just an award-winning facility; it's a lifeline for the elders of the Pilbara, ensuring that they can age with dignity, surrounded by the culture and country that define them. It's a heartwarming example of how aged care can and should be adapted to meet the needs of all Australians, respecting the diversity and depth of the communities it serves.
We at the Seniors Discount Club celebrate such initiatives that not only provide essential services but also enrich the lives of our elders by keeping them connected to their families, their culture, and their country. It's a reminder that in caring for our seniors, we must look beyond the physical needs and nurture the spirit that thrives on connection and belonging.
What are your thoughts on the importance of culturally sensitive aged care? Have you or a loved one experienced the benefits of such an approach? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
Enter the beacon of hope that is the Yaandina aged care centre in Roebourne, a facility that stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of culturally sensitive care. This not-for-profit centre is more than just a place for the elderly to reside; it's a home where Indigenous elders can live out their days immersed in the country that holds their heritage and their hearts.
The Pilbara, an area twice the size of Victoria, presents a significant challenge when it comes to finding aged care. With only two aged care centres across the region, the largest being in Port Hedland, 1,630 kilometres north of Perth, the options are limited. This scarcity often forces residents to leave their communities in search of adequate care, a move that can be especially traumatic for Indigenous elders who fear dying away from their ancestral lands.
Yaandina Aged Care Centre in Roebourne lets Indigenous elders age within their community and cultural heritage. Credit: Shutterstock
Yaandina aged care centre is changing this narrative by allowing elders to stay on country, surrounded by the familiar landscapes and the people they love. Betty Kelly, who moved to the centre four years ago from Karratha, appreciates the open and outdoor nature of the facility, even expressing a wish for a swimming pool to add to the homely comforts.
The centre's unique approach to care, which recently earned it the top prize in the National Rural and Remote Health awards, is evident in its design and operations. The facility is crafted with an understanding of the residents' backgrounds, many of whom grew up on stations and are accustomed to the open skies and the natural environment. The open roof allows residents to gaze at the stars, a simple yet profound connection to their past.
Cultural sensitivity is woven into the fabric of Yaandina's care. Staff receive cultural training from locals and are taught about the traditions and customs unique to the area's language groups. This training is crucial, as it respects the preferences of the residents, such as male elders who may prefer female carers, in line with their cultural practices.
Language is another cornerstone of the centre's ethos. A majority of the staff are fluent in the languages of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi residents, ensuring that communication is not a barrier but a bridge to better care and understanding. Since September 2020, at least half a dozen Indigenous Australians have returned to the region to age and die on home country, a poignant indicator of the centre's success in providing culturally appropriate care.
The facility also plays a vital role in fostering intergenerational connections within the community. Pilbara Aboriginal Voice co-chair Linda Doogiebee-Dridi highlights the importance of having the younger generation work in these environments, not only to overcome language barriers but to maintain the flow of knowledge and kinship between the ages.
The significance of being able to bury elders on country and maintain a family connection through visiting and caring for grave sites cannot be overstated. It allows the living to honour the deceased, to speak with them in their language, and to feel that enduring sense of belonging that only 'country' can provide.
The Yaandina aged care centre in Roebourne is more than just an award-winning facility; it's a lifeline for the elders of the Pilbara, ensuring that they can age with dignity, surrounded by the culture and country that define them. It's a heartwarming example of how aged care can and should be adapted to meet the needs of all Australians, respecting the diversity and depth of the communities it serves.
We at the Seniors Discount Club celebrate such initiatives that not only provide essential services but also enrich the lives of our elders by keeping them connected to their families, their culture, and their country. It's a reminder that in caring for our seniors, we must look beyond the physical needs and nurture the spirit that thrives on connection and belonging.
