What Is CALD and Why Is It Important?

Many people may not realise just how diverse Australia truly is.

Nearly half of its population is born overseas or has at least one parent born in another country.

Over 300 languages are spoken at home, including Mandarin, Arabic, Italian, and Greek.

These diverse groups of communities bring together various cultures and languages. Together, we call them CALD communities.

CALD stands for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse. 

Understanding this term is very important in different areas of life. These include healthcare, education, and social services.

In this article, we'll talk about the meaning and importance of CALD. We will also discuss how CALD home care services work. 

Definition of CALD

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse - this is what CALD stands for. 

It's an umbrella term for individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds. 

These people speak languages other than English and bring their cultural heritage.

It's also a term the Australian Government uses. It's used to frame policies and strategies aimed at enhancing community inclusivity.

CALD is also often used in education, healthcare, and community services. 

In those contexts, the term is used to identify and support people from non-dominant cultural or linguistic backgrounds.

It includes:

1. Migrants
2. Refugees
3. International students
4. Indigenous communities

Note that CALD also includes people born in Australia whose parents come from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Diversity in Australia

Australia is home to CALD communities from 190 different countries. 

It's estimated they speak over 300 languages.

A total of 167 of them actively speak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. 

Note that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are generally not included in the CALD category. They have their own distinct historical and cultural identity.

These languages include:

• Mandarin
• Arabic
• Vietnamese 
• Cantonese
• Punjabi
• Greek
• Italian

Almost half of all Australians have either been born overseas or have parents born overseas. 

According to another source, one in every four Australians was born overseas.

Most foreign-born citizens come from the United Kingdom and New Zealand. But, the number of those born in China and India has increased since 2012.

Since then, over six million people born overseas have arrived in Australia.

What's more, over one-fifth of Australians speak a language other than English at home. 

This rich diversity of cultures and languages is what defines CALD communities in Australia.

Why is CALD Important?

CALD is important for several reasons, including:

1. Healthcare access
2. Education and social services
3. Social inclusion and integration
4. Legal and policy implications
5. Business and workforce diversity

CALD communities can face barriers in different aspects of life. 

The most common example is accessing healthcare services. 

This can happen because of:

• Language differences
• Cultural nuances
• Varying health beliefs

That's why fair access to care is so important. 

Healthcare services for CALD individuals put culturally sensitive care first. They also provide help with language barriers. 

CALD is also important in the education and social services sectors. 

Recognising CALD ensures inclusion and equity for all students and service users. 

Embracing CALD fosters a sense of belonging and community. It helps individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued and included.

CALD considerations are essential for fair legal systems and inclusive policies. 

They ensure equal access to justice. This is achieved through interpreters and culturally informed legal representation.

CALD is also important in the business world. A focus on CALD enhances the workplace by driving innovation and fostering growth.

Challenges Faced by CALD Individuals

CALD communities symbolise diversity.

They bring with them unique challenges from different cultural backgrounds. 

When they come to a new country and society, CALD individuals face various challenges. Some of the most important ones include:

1. Language barriers
2. Cultural misunderstandings
3. Discrimination and racism
4. Social isolation
5. Health disparities
6. Education challenges
7. Employment barriers

One of the main challenges is the language barrier. 

Many CALD individuals may not be proficient in English. 

This can prevent them from accessing essential services. These include healthcare, education, and social support.

It also prevents them from communicating effectively in workplaces or community settings. They may face difficulties in finding employment because of this.

Another challenge is cultural adjustment. 

CALD individuals may experience cultural shock. They may find it challenging to adapt to the customs, norms, and values of Australian society. 

They may also misinterpret gestures, customs, or social expectations.

Discrimination and prejudice is another common issue. It's often based on ethnicity, religion, or cultural practices.

CALD individuals may struggle with social isolation and a sense of belonging. Moving to a new country or community can lead to feelings of loneliness. 

Finding suitable employment can be challenging for CALD individuals. This happens because of:

• Difficulty transferring qualifications or skills recognised in their home countries
• Workplace discrimination or lack of diversity initiatives
• Language barriers that limit job opportunities

This often results in underemployment or unemployment. It also affects their financial stability and well-being.

CALD Aged Care Services

Aged care services are for elderly Australians who need help with everyday living.

Members of CALD communities can apply for special CALD aged care services. 

Because of their diverse backgrounds, they may have unique requirements. That's why CALD aged care services are culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate. 

Here are some key aspects of CALD aged care services in Australia:

1. Cultural sensitivity
2. Language support
3. Culturally appropriate activities
4. Staff training
5. Community engagement
6. Accessible information

CALD aged care services prioritise cultural sensitivity. They consider the traditions, customs, and beliefs of people from diverse backgrounds. 

These services also provide language support. It ensures effective communication between the staff and the elderly. 

This may involve:

• Employing bilingual staff
• Offering translation services
• Using multilingual resources

CALD aged care services often organise culturally appropriate activities and programs.

This can include celebrations and traditional music. It can also involve activities that reflect the cultural diversity of the residents.

Staff in CALD aged care services undergo training to improve their cultural competence. 

This training helps them better understand and respond to the diverse needs of older clients. It also fosters a more inclusive and respectful environment.

Collaboration with community organisations and leaders is common in CALD aged care services. 

This builds trust within the community. It also makes it easier for families to be involved in the care process.

Providing information in different languages is important for many reasons. It allows clients and their families to understand and access relevant information.

This can include the eligibility criteria and available support.

CALD Aged Care at Home

Some elderly CALD members may not want to move to a nursing home. Instead, they want to remain living at home.

That is where CALD home care services can help.

They are designed to help get the help they need in the comfort of their home. Home care services are tailored to their unique cultural and language needs. 

Here are some key features of CALD Home Care services:

1. Personalised care plans
2. Community engagement
3. Flexible services
4. Culturally appropriate activities 
5. Personal care 
6. Family involvement
7. Holistic care approach

Home care plans are tailored to the client's needs. Their needs also include their cultural and linguistic preferences.

This may include dietary requirements, cultural activities, and social interactions.

CALD home care services often engage with community organisations. Doing so builds trust and allows families to take part in the care process. 

These services are flexible. 

They can include a range of supports. For example, personal care, nursing, help with daily activities, and social support. 

CALD home care organisations arrange culturally appropriate activities and events. The goal is to promote social well-being.

This helps maintain a connection to cultural roots. It also fosters a sense of belonging.

Home care services often involve and collaborate with family members in the care planning process. 

This can enhance the support network for the person receiving care.

CALD home care services often adopt a holistic approach.

Such an approach considers not only physical needs but also emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Find Your CALD Home Care Provider

CALD individuals are a vibrant and significant part of the community. They offer a rich diversity of cultures and languages.

These communities contribute to the country's social, economic, and cultural growth.

For elderly CALD individuals, finding an aged care solution is very important. 

Haisey Home Care offers Home Care Package programs for members of the CALD community. 

Our team of dedicated care professionals are here to make your lives at home as comfortable as possible.

If you want to know more about our home care services, feel free to reach out to us. You can also book a free, no-obligation consultation. 

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