Improving support for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers transitioning older adults from hospital to community

The challenge

Going home from hospital can be an anxious time for older persons, carers, and other family members. Yet few resources exist that support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers to access relevant information supporting this transition, despite Australia’s multicultural society. The project addressed this by co-designing multimedia resources with Greek, Italian and Chinese carers, and older adults, to support their interaction with health professionals and care providers.

Our impact

• New multimedia resources developed with Australian Greek, Italian and Chinese carers, and older adults with ‘lived experience’.
• Enhanced understanding of the needs of CALD carers when interacting with health professionals and care providers.
• Increased capacity for CALD carers to participate in preparing, planning and follow-up during transitional care of older adults with multimorbidity from hospital to the community.

Project leads

Led by Monash University's Associate Professor Jacqui Allen and Dr Yaping Zhong since 2022, the project will conclude in 2025.

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Project resources & knowledge

Our co-design process with Australian Greek, Italian and Chinese carers, and older adults, informed the development of storyboards addressing the different cultural needs and preferences for culturally diverse carers. The storyboards then supported the development of culturally specific and accessible educational videos and brochures, which have been translated across four languages.

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CALD project participants

Key project information

For further information please contact:  
Associate Professor Jacqui Allen – jacqui.allen@monash.edu
Dr Yaping Zhong – yaping.zhong1@monash.edu