Indigenous health ‘a priority’ for the Orana region
HAVE you ever considered how difficult it might be for those of a cultural minority when they begin to experience memory loss and confusion?
Catholic Healthcare’s Aboriginal Dementia Advisory Service (ADAS) coordinator, Larissa Cook, knows first-hand what that experience looks and feels like.
“There’s a lot of connection issues; our people don’t know what assistance is available and how to receive it. From my own experience growing up in the region and in the culture – I know the feeling of being disconnected and feeling like no one can help.”
The ADAS role is extensive, both in travel, and in duties. From helping clients, their carers, acting as referrer, advisor and advocate support-person, Larissa travels up and around the Orana region and never experiences a dull workday.
Larissa comes from Wiradjuri and Bundjalung tribe, and grew up in Dubbo where she still resides. With the combination of her culture, connection to the Orana region and 14 years’ experience in aged and community care – Larissa has a true understanding of what Indigenous people need when it comes to their later stages of life.
“Every day I feel like I’m giving back to my clients and the community. You can really see the impact when you’re referring someone onto a doctor or the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) – some of these individuals can go untreated for years without the ADAS intervention.”
The 2011 census indicated Aboriginal people made up 12.5 percent of the Dubbo population, a percentage Larissa says is growing, today. She believes caring for the older Indigenous people in a culturally-specific way is imperative to maintaining the overall health of the Orana region and assisting them to stay at home for longer.
“There’s a great need in this country for specifically-designed Aboriginal aged care,” she says. “A lot of our people don’t have an understanding of what our services provide. That’s where we step in to assist.”
The Catholic Healthcare Community Services team offer home care packages, allied health support services, mobility aids, dementia home club and respite care among many other options.
Get in touch with the Orana team today on 1800 225 474 to learn about what services you can utilise on your package.