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How do we ensure that every individual, regardless of their cultural or spiritual background, receives dignified and inclusive care at the end of their life? Today, we tackle this vital question with two incredible guests who are championing change in aged and palliative care.

In this episode, I sit down with Tonina Gucciardo-Masci, Community Engagement Manager at Palliative Care Victoria, and Nikolaus Rittinghausen, Manager at the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing. Both are working tirelessly to ensure that aged and palliative care services in Australia are culturally inclusive and respectful of each person’s individual needs.

Tonina shares her experience collaborating with multicultural and multifaith communities to promote equitable access to palliative care, dispelling myths and advocating for care over cure. Meanwhile, Nikki dives into the innovative strategies his organisation employs to make aged care more inclusive, from diversity mentoring to practical tools like communication cards available in over 70 languages.

Together, we explore the challenges of adapting systems designed for a "one-size-fits-all" approach, the importance of culturally appropriate food and spiritual practices, and the role of open conversations in breaking down taboos around death. This episode is a call to action to put inclusion at the heart of care.

What We Discuss:
•What palliative care is and why it’s about quality of life, not just end-of-life.
•The importance of culturally inclusive care in aged and palliative care.
•How communication cards in 70+ languages are bridging language barriers in care.
•Challenges of integrating cultural and spiritual needs into care plans.
•Practical examples of inclusive practices in aged care, such as tailored menus and spiritual accommodations.
•How advanced care planning can ease the journey for families and individuals.
•Why conversations about death and dying need to happen earlier and more often.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

•Palliative Care Victoria
•Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing
•Download communication cards in multiple languages: Communication Cards
•Learn more about inclusive service standards and mentoring programs: Inclusive Service Standards
•Advanced care planning resources: Advance Care Planning Australia

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Business Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.au
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LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/

Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

Death, Diversity, and Inclusion in Care with Tonina Gucciardo-Masci and Nikolaus Rittinghausen

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