Innovative collaboration seals commitment to improve Indigenous aged care

Four Western Australian aged care service providers have come together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and Stolen Generations Advocate, Yokai, in what may be an industry-first initiative.

By signing the MOU, Juniper, MercyCare, Bethanie and Hall & Prior have made their intentions clear to improve culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. This includes a particular focus on supporting Stolen Generations survivors in WA.

Juniper CEO, Russell Bricknell, told hello leaders this is a highly significant commitment by four of the State’s most recognised aged care service providers.

“It demonstrates a united front and a strong collective commitment to improving aged care services for Aboriginal communities. This collaboration leverages the strengths and resources of each organisation, creating a powerful alliance to drive meaningful changes across the sector,” he said.

“This is the first time organisations have come together with an Indigenous organisation to commit to addressing access, trauma awareness and cultural safety in aged care services for Indigenous people in WA.”

Perth is nestled in the traditional lands of the Noongar people who live in the south-west corner of Western Australia. Yokai is a Noongar call to action meaning ‘enough is enough’, with the organisation developed by the Bringing Them Home Committee (WA) and the WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation, representing the peak body for Stolen Generation Survivors in Western Australia.

Yokai’s work is based on extensive consultation and research to deliver better outcomes for the Aboriginal community and Stolen Generations Survivors. 

“We are excited about our partnership with Yokai. Having Yokai as a resource means we can tap into their extensive expertise and insights regarding the cultural needs and experiences of Aboriginal elders, particularly Stolen Generations Survivors,” Mr Bricknell added.

“This collaboration will not only help us improve our current services but also innovate and create new initiatives that better serve our Aboriginal customers. It is an invaluable partnership that aligns with our mission to provide compassionate and inclusive care for all.”

In a statement shared by Juniper, Yokai CEO Jim Morrison said, “It’s encouraging to see aged care organisations committing to understanding that caring for older Aboriginal people, especially Stolen Generations Survivors, should focus not only on their clinical needs but also on their cultural needs, such as their connection to Country and lived experience.”

The MOU is a positive initiative by all four aged care organisations, with Mr Bricknell sharing that Juniper’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety is deeply rooted in our values of respect, compassion, and courage.

Moving forward, he said that Yokai will be involved in reviews of care delivery models and the quality of care provided for Indigenous clients, while they will also help guide cultural training for staff.

Juniper, meanwhile, has plans to create indoor and outdoor communal spaces for Indigenous people to gather with their families as part of facility refurbishments. Indigenous consultation will also continue to be a key facet of all ongoing endeavours.

The benefits of this MOU will hopefully provide culturally respectful and inclusive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are currently receiving aged care services and those who are not.

“For current aged care customers, this MOU will result in enhanced services that are more culturally sensitive and respectful, improving their overall care experience,” Mr Bricknell said.

“For those who are reluctant or unsure about accessing aged care services, this commitment to cultural safety can build trust and confidence. Knowing that their cultural needs will be understood and respected may encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to seek and receive the care they deserve.”