Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care

(Level EO). This silence is based on a belief that to discuss dying is the same as wishing that
person dead, and such discussion may even lead to their death [362] (Level EO). Other cultures may
also have beliefs and practices that will direct how privacy is to be handled. Most importantly,
individuals within a cultural group may not share these beliefs, highlighting the importance of an
individualised assessment of the resident’s and their family’s culture.
11.4 INTERPRETER SERVICES
When involving an independent interpreter, the aged care team should explain the interpreter’s
role and the issues of confidentiality to the resident and/or their family. The resident’s consent
for the interpreter to be involved during decision-making processes must be obtained before
commencing. In rural and remote areas, using telephone interpreter services is recommended.
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is also
recommended, depending on availability, particularly for rural and remote areas.
Generally, the involvement of family members, friends or other unqualified people to assist
with interpreting is not considered prudent practice because family members and/or friends
may inadvertently or deliberately censor or alter information. Additionally, as with unqualified
people, their language skills may be inappropriate to enable them to work effectively under such
circumstances. The issue of the interpreter’s gender also needs to be considered, because for
many cultures it is inappropriate to speak with the opposite gender about health care issues.
Guideline:
Cultural Issues
66. Education about cultural diversity is recommended for aged care
teams to enhance understanding of care preferences of residents
from varying cultural groups. Efforts to accommodate these
preferences promote individualised care that benefits the residents’
and their families’ well-being.
67. Where possible, provide information about a palliative approach
to residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
in their own language because this enhances cultural sensitivity
for residents and their families and ensures adequate and
appropriate care.
Ref No. Evidence level
356, 361 QE
359 356 II
QE
150 Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care