Fronditha Care Foundation Collaborates with Dementia Australia Launching Palliative Care Resources

The Fronditha Care Foundation and Dementia Australia have launched a new resource to support awareness and understanding of culturally sensitive palliative care. “A Palliative Approach to Dementia Care”, a module within the Ask Annie app—was developed to support aged care workers in providing person cantered and dignified care to elders from diverse backgrounds.

The module features interactive content and video scenarios built around the story of Anastasia, a woman living with dementia, and her children George and Eleni. Drawing on authentic cultural insights, the module addresses topics such as family involvement in end-of-life care, bereavement support and the importance of spiritual and religious customs.

With over one-third of Australians aged 65+ born overseas, sector-wide adoption of similar approaches could significantly improve the quality of life and dignity experienced by older Australians in their final stages of life. This tool is designed to support workforce across the sector in understanding how to best support individuals and families during this difficult life stage.

The Fronditha Care Foundation, auspiced by Fronditha Care, funded the development of this leading initiative, in close consultation with bilingual bicultural staff and families. Currently, the module is adapted for elders of Greek background, the primary care recipients of Fronditha Care, and is designed to be adapted for other culture groups.

“While Fronditha Care has developed a comprehensive and culturally reflective process for providing effective and respectful palliative care, this is not always possible for other providers. With this module staff can be trained and confident in supporting families to make each moment count”, says Faye Spiteri OAM, CEO, Fronditha Care and Committee Member of the Fronditha Care Foundation.

As aged care providers work to implement the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, this project provides a tangible example of how culturally appropriate education can be embedded into workforce development. It also demonstrates the potential of targeted digital learning to lift standards in dementia and palliative care.

This module is the second collaboration between Dementia Australia and the Fronditha Care Foundation. The first one was the adaptation of the Ask Annie app into the Greek language.

For more information about the Ask Annie app or to access the new module, visit: www.dementia.org.au/askannie

For more information about Fronditha Care Foundation, visit: frondithacarefoundation.org

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