Table 1 Integration of cultural care into general care

1. Need for change to Aboriginal aged care as the Aboriginal residents showed a strong connection to their identity, families, communities and land.

1. Open ended questions to develop a Care Plan on admission that includes residents’ preferences in regard to: language, name to be used, food choice, sleep pattern, relaxation, prayer times, observing festivals, meeting family members and visiting own places.

2. Carers in this study were not aware of or did not place enough emphasis on the cultural needs of the Aboriginal residents to be included in the care provided.

2. Carers should be educated through on-going information sessions, mentoring, discussions around available literature and critical reflection on their services as culturally safe.

3. The presence of standards of care does not guarantee a culture-centred approach.

3. It is recommended that Management of Aboriginal Aged Care facilities works towards ensuring standards of care are implemented and critique of care philosophy should follow with a plan for making subsequent changes if necessary.

4. This study also highlighted the value of good relationships among and between carers and Aboriginal residents.

4. The employment of more Aboriginal carers and, at the same time, collaborative working among carers in relation to the barriers in integrating cultural care would result in a better and more culturally safe clinical environment.