PROVIDE SAFER, MORE CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CARE FOR OLDER REFUGEES
What happens when the experiences of war, persecution, displacement and refugee trauma intersect with the challenges of ageing?
For older people from refugee backgrounds, changes associated with ageing, including declining health, memory changes, reduced independence, social isolation and increased reliance on others, can sometimes bring earlier traumatic experiences back to the surface.
Everyday aspects of aged care, such as personal care, medical procedures, unfamiliar environments or being asked sensitive questions, may also unintentionally trigger fear, distress or traumatic memories.
This practical workshop, led by experienced STARTTS practitioners and trainers, will help you understand the experiences and needs of older people from refugee backgrounds and provide care that promotes safety, dignity, trust and cultural respect.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS
Australia is home to many older people who have experienced war, persecution, forced displacement and refugee trauma. Some arrived decades ago and have built their lives in Australia, while others arrived later in life.
Ageing can introduce new vulnerabilities. Cognitive and memory changes may affect how traumatic experiences are managed. English language skills acquired later in life may decline. Reduced mobility can increase isolation from cultural and community networks. Loss of independence and control can be particularly significant for people whose earlier experiences involved powerlessness, detention, violence or persecution.
Aged care professionals do not need to be trauma specialists to make a difference. Understanding how trauma, culture, displacement and ageing can intersect can help you recognise distress, avoid unnecessary triggers and create interactions that feel safer and more respectful.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Understand How Refugee Trauma Can Affect Ageing
Explore the long-term impacts of torture, persecution, war and forced displacement and how these experiences may interact with physical, psychological and cognitive changes later in life.
Recognise Trauma Responses in Older People
Build your ability to recognise PTSD and other trauma-related responses, including situations where distress may be mistaken for challenging behaviour, confusion or disengagement.
Identify and Reduce Trauma Triggers
Understand how everyday aged care experiences, including personal care, assessments, medical procedures, unfamiliar environments and loss of control, may trigger traumatic memories, and learn practical ways to reduce distress.
Provide Trauma-Informed and Culturally Safe Care
Apply practical principles that promote safety, dignity, choice, trust and respect while recognising each person’s cultural identity, migration history, strengths and individual experiences.
Conduct Sensitive Assessments and Conversations
Develop strategies for asking necessary questions without unnecessarily requiring people to revisit traumatic experiences, while maintaining their dignity, choice and sense of control.
Communicate Effectively Across Language and Culture
Strengthen your approach to cross-cultural communication, including working effectively with professional interpreters and understanding how ageing may affect a person’s use of English as an additional language.
Understand the Role of Family and Culture
Explore different cultural understandings of ageing, family responsibility, independence and care, and learn how to work collaboratively and respectfully with family members and carers.
Support Connection, Identity and Wellbeing
Consider the impact of social isolation, reduced mobility and cultural disconnection, and identify ways aged care services can strengthen connection, belonging and wellbeing.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Essential professional development for people working with older people from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds, including:
- Aged care and support workers
- Nurses and allied health professionals
- Aged care assessment staff
- Care coordinators and case managers
- Social workers and counsellors
- Community and multicultural workers
- Aged care managers and team leaders
- Volunteers and other professionals supporting older people
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online and in-person delivery
- Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
- Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Receive a PDF of the workshop slides
BRING THIS WORKSHOP TO YOUR TEAM
Would your team benefit from tailored, trauma-informed training? This workshop is available as an online and in-person in-house session (in-person available in Sydney only), customised to meet the specific needs of your staff, clients, or community. Visit our Request Training page for details on pricing, availability, and how to book.
Plan ahead: Due to high demand, we recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Empower your team with the confidence, skills, and cultural sensitivity to support refugee and asylum seeker communities effectively.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer