Setting examples of cultural and spiritual needs in aged care

Australia’s aged care landscape is changing rapidly, with many older Australians coming from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This diversity is only continuing to grow, which means aged care providers must acknowledge diversity and actively respond to it in daily care practices. At Oxa Care, we believe cultural and spiritual identity is central to wellbeing, and our role is to honour those needs with warmth, respect, and authenticity.

This blog explores how providers can meet cultural and spiritual needs, offering practical examples of cultural diversity in aged care, and highlighting why this work matters for residents, families, and communities.

What are the cultural needs in aged care?

Cultural needs are the practices, beliefs, and values that shape an individual’s sense of self. In aged care, this goes beyond food preferences or language services. It includes how residents are greeted, how they are cared for, and how their traditions are celebrated within the facility.

At its core, cultural aged care recognises that every resident arrives with a unique background. Understanding those needs ensures that care feels personal and dignified rather than clinical or detached. For many older Australians, it can be the difference between feeling truly at home and feeling like a stranger in their own care environment.

Why cultural understanding is essential in aged care

When cultural understanding is missing, residents often feel isolated, misunderstood, or unsafe. Studies from the Federation of Ethnic Community Councils Australia show that CALD elders are at greater risk of poor health outcomes, depression, and care resistance when their cultural needs are overlooked. On the other hand, inclusive practices create trust, reduce anxiety, and foster stronger engagement.

For providers, cultural understanding is not just about compliance; it’s a way to enhance the overall quality of care. Respecting traditions, listening to residents’ stories, and acknowledging their beliefs leads to richer, more meaningful interactions every day.

Common cultural needs among older Australians

Some common cultural needs in aged care include:

• Language – access to bilingual staff or professional interpreters.
• Food – culturally appropriate menus, from halal or kosher meals to vegetarian dishes.
• Privacy and modesty – ensuring same-gender carers during personal care.
• Family roles – respecting collective decision-making or filial responsibilities.
• Celebrations – observing festivals and religious events with authenticity.

Spiritual and religious needs of aged care residents

For many people, spiritual or religious practice provides comfort, purpose, and identity, especially later in life. Aged care providers are vital in supporting these practices so residents feel spiritually fulfilled and respected.

Examples of spiritual practices in aged care

Spiritual and lifestyle practices vary widely. Some residents may observe daily prayers, meditation, or scripture reading, while others find meaning in music, art, or time spent in nature. Acknowledging these differences helps staff provide holistic care that nurtures both body and soul.

Supporting religious beliefs and routines

Creating opportunities for residents to continue their faith-based routines can include:

• Dedicated prayer or meditation rooms.
• Access to chaplains or spiritual leaders.
• Facilitating fasting, sacraments, or weekly worship services.

These practices affirm that residents’ beliefs are respected, providing continuity between their past community life and their present aged care home.

Respecting end-of-life rituals and traditions

End-of-life care is deeply influenced by cultural and religious traditions. For some, this may involve specific prayers, rituals, or family presence. Others may require particular burial or cremation practices. By recognising these traditions, providers ensure residents experience dignity in their final moments while families feel supported and reassured.

Examples of cultural differences in aged care settings 

Cultural differences often emerge in everyday care situations. Recognising them early helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures residents feel secure.

Communication and language barriers

According to the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing, language is often the first barrier for CALD residents. Without multilingual staff or interpreters, residents may struggle to communicate their needs. This can lead to frustration or isolation. Providers who employ bilingual staff and use translated signage create a more welcoming environment where residents feel heard.

Family involvement and decision-making roles

In some cultures, medical decisions are made collectively by the family, not just the individual. Understanding these hierarchies prevents conflict and shows respect for cultural norms. At Oxa Care, we actively involve families in care planning and provide translation services so every voice is included.

How aged care providers can embrace cultural diversity 

Creating inclusive nursing homes requires both structural change and everyday action. Providers must move beyond compliance to embed cultural awareness into care models, policies, and staff behaviour.

Provide continuous cultural competency training

Go beyond a one‑off workshop by embedding continuous professional development. Regular training sessions, role‑playing scenarios, and mentoring by cultural representatives help staff grow their cultural fluency over time. The Department of Health’s guide for aged care providers offers practical actions to support this approach.

Establish cultural advisory boards

Invite local community leaders and family representatives to provide feedback on policies, care practices, and celebrations. Advisory boards help facilities remain responsive to evolving cultural expectations and build credibility with CALD communities.

Celebrating cultural events and traditions

From Lunar New Year to Diwali or Orthodox Easter, authentic celebrations foster community spirit. Involving cultural leaders and preparing traditional meals makes these events more than symbolic gestures; they become moments of joy and connection.

Incorporate residents’ stories into care planning

Encourage residents to share personal stories, migration experiences, and cultural traditions, then integrate these into individual care plans. Documenting these narratives improves engagement and reinforces Ausmed's insights on cultural awareness in aged care. 

Tools and resources for supporting cultural needs 

Accessing the right tools and resources can help aged care providers, families, and caregivers ensure cultural and spiritual needs are met consistently and respectfully. These frameworks and guides also demonstrate how inclusivity is embedded in Australian aged care policy and practice.

Aged Care Diversity Framework

The Aged Care Diversity Framework sets out a national approach for creating inclusive, respectful, and accessible services. It provides practical actions for providers to support residents from CALD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQ+, and other diverse backgrounds.

Government and non-profit support tools

Many Australian resources provide research and frameworks for cultural inclusivity in aged care homes. The Department of Health’s guide to supporting older CALD people provides practical strategies for aged care providers, while ELDAC's diversity resources provide practical end-of-life care guidance. Oxa Care constantly implements and updates our cultural care policies to ensure all residents feel at home. 

Building inclusive environments for all residents

Cultural and spiritual needs are not optional extras but central to residents’ wellbeing. By acknowledging and respecting diversity, providers can create environments where residents feel valued, understood, and safe.

At Oxa Care, we don’t just accommodate differences, we celebrate them. By embedding cultural traditions into care, we create homes where residents thrive, families feel reassured, and communities remain connected. For more information on our residential aged care services, contact us today.