Integration of cultural care to reduce health disparities for Aboriginal residents in aged care in SA

Integrating Aboriginal culture is a notable determinant of health in providing quality care for Aboriginal residents in aged care (Hinton et al 2015; Bird & Bird 2016; Davy et al 2016). 15% of Aboriginal Australians are aged 50 years and over (AIHW 2016). Less than 1% of people in aged care centres are identified as Aboriginal (AIHW 2016). The literature to date revealed a lack of understanding of the capacity of residential aged care and the health practices of carers in relation to providing cultural care for Aboriginal people (Smith 2013; Ranzijn 2010). This study aimed to explore how cultural care needs are maintained for Aboriginal residents from their own and their carers' perspectives.