Trusted Indigenous Facilitators

The Trusted Indigenous Facilitators program will build a workforce of facilitators to help First Nations elders, their families and carers, to access aged care services to meet their physical and cultural needs.

About the program

The Trusted Indigenous Facilitators program will recruit and train a skilled workforce.

The workforce will help First Nations elders, their families and carers, to access aged care services across urban, regional and remote Australia to meet their physical and cultural needs.

Services

Trusted Indigenous Facilitators will provide services that include:

  • supporting First Nations elders to understand aged care services, navigate the assessment process and help with choosing a provider
  • supporting families, friends and carers to understand how to access aged care services
  • advocating for First Nations elders by working with assessors and providers to meet their needs
  • supporting elders while they receive aged care services
  • assisting with other types of health needs, such as disability supports.

When the program starts

Phase 1 of the program is expected to begin in May 2023.

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) will roll out the program in phases over 3 years.

Why it is important

First Nations communities experience barriers to accessing aged care. These barriers often prevent First Nations Australians from receiving the care they need.

The network of Trusted Indigenous Facilitators’ will provide culturally safe:

  • support across the aged care journey
  • guidance on aged care services with a focus on the diverse needs of First Nations elders.

This will:

  • encourage more First Nations elders to access aged care services
  • empower First Nations elders to decide on the care they need and receive.

Who we work with

We have partnered with NACCHO to establish the Trusted Indigenous Facilitators.

NACCHO will roll out the services through its affiliates and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Related topic

Contact

Email the NACCHO Aged Care Programs team for more information about the program, at agedcare@naccho.org.au.

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