Dementia Care and Language Support: A Familial Journey

Victoria Garcia suffers from advanced dementia, significantly impacting her ability to communicate.

At her home in Dapto, near Sydney, she receives help from her husband Antonio and daughter Cecilia Reja. Cecilia and her mother have shared a bond that dates back more than 60 years to their days in Spain.

“It’s heartbreaking to watch a parent fade away,” Reja shared with news.com.au, explaining how her mother now communicates through “muttering, gibbering, barking, and other strange sounds.”

In the early stages of dementia, Reja mentioned, her mother struggled to find the right words and was often irritable.

Cecilia noted that these days, her mother seems to have a strong aversion to hearing English. “If you talk to her in English, she gets irritated and frustrated,” she said.

Fortunately, the family turned to Micaela, a Spanish-speaking support worker provided by Hireup, an aged care and disability organization. This connection was a relief for Cecilia. “Support workers who only speak English couldn’t reach her in the same way,” she explained.

“My mom recognizes that Spanish is her language. It really has a calming effect on her.”

Antonio expressed happiness over finding the right language support for Victoria, feeling a sense of security knowing that Micaela can effectively communicate with his wife.

In Australia, about one in four people living with dementia come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Losing the ability to speak a second language can often be one of the first signs of dementia.

According to Danijela Rhys, a bilingual support worker with 25 years of experience, there’s a pressing need to provide better care for individuals who don’t speak English in medical environments, as they can feel isolated and lost.

Rhys remarked on the emotional toll of neglect and isolation, particularly when individuals revert to their native language, a situation that can be truly heartbreaking.

Mr. Hlis, an advocate for Dementia Australia, emphasizes that dementia care policies should evolve to better accommodate those from varied backgrounds. He pointed out that new standards are being implemented to preserve individuals’ rights to identity and culture in care settings.

Australia’s new legislation, effective from November 1, mandates that aged care service users can communicate in their preferred language.

This law introduces strict regulatory measures, including significant fines for non-compliance.

Mr. Hlis highlighted the technological advancements available today to assist those affected by dementia, urging families to connect with relatives who speak the language or access media in their loved ones’ native tongues.

Research from Hireup indicates that language support is crucial among older Australians outside of residential settings, with nearly one in five stating it’s vital to their home care.

Laura O’Reilly, CEO of Hireup, mentioned a growing demand for support workers who can communicate in various languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Arabic, and German.

She also noted the significant staffing challenges faced by the aged care and disability sector, emphasizing the need for individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to enhance the care experience.

“It’s more than just assigning someone to a client’s home. You need the appropriate resources and the right fit for the people you’re caring for,” she concluded.