Culturally and linguistically diverse carers
Many culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australians care for others in their families and communities. Inclusive and culturally specific services and support for CALD carers are available.
About culturally and linguistically diverse carers
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers identify with a culture that is different from the dominant or mainstream culture in Australia and/or do not speak English as their main language.
A carer’s cultural and linguistic background can significantly shape how they understand their caring role and influence whether or not they seek support. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers can also face a range of barriers when accessing appropriate services.
Of the approximately 850,000 carers living in NSW, 1 in 5 were born in a country where English is not the main language. However, only around 1 in 10 identify as mainly speaking a language other than English at home. Of this group, just under one in ten do not speak English at all, while nearly one quarter do speak English, but not well.1
CALD carers often do not identify as carers and access formal services. As a result, they are often more socially isolated and experience greater distress and lower wellbeing than other carers.
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
Resources for end of life caring
Carers NSW has developed a series of resources on caring for someone at the end of life, in languages other than english,. These resources include fact sheets and a podcast series, 'In our own voices'.
Support for culturally and linguistically diverse carers
Many CALD carers prefer to access support in their own language and/or from their own community groups. Others are happy to access mainstream services as long as they are inclusive and non-discriminatory. There are many support options available to CALD carers in NSW.
- Translating and Interpreting Service - 131 450 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Immediate phone interpreting and information in multiple languages.
- Carer Gateway - 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday). Access to supports and services for all carers.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - 1800 800 110 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm). Access to life-long supports and services for eligible people under 65 years of age with disability.
- My Aged Care - 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm, Saturdays 10.00am to 2.00pm). Access to supports in the home or community for people who are ageing or frail.
- Migrant Resource Centres - List of contact details by region.
- NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service - 02 9332 9710 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm). Health information for people from CALD backgrounds.
- Transcultural Mental Health Centre - 02 9912 3850 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm). Works with communities to support positive mental health for people from CALD communities.
- Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW - 1800 629 072 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm). Advice and advocacy for people with disability, their families and carers from CALD backgrounds.
