A deaf woman's journey through the aged care system has exposed some shocking gaps in support for the Deaf community. June Beutel, an 87-year-old with profound hearing loss and vision impairment, has been living in a nursing home without access to Auslan, the Australian Deaf community's language. Her niece, Brita Murphy, has been fighting for two years to secure Auslan services for her aunt, only to find a lack of culturally appropriate care for Deaf seniors in Australia.
"She sits alone, signing to herself, interacting with no one. Her needs are incredibly complex," Brita explains.
The national peak body, Deaf Connect, confirms that this is a widespread issue, with a shortage of Auslan-fluent support workers and a lack of funding for aged care workers to receive appropriate training.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing funds Deaf Connect, yet the National Sign Language Program (NSLP) does not provide funding for aged care workers. This means that the only time June can communicate is when her family visits, leaving her isolated and confused.
"She just bursts into tears, saying she's on her own. It's heartbreaking to see her so isolated," Brita shares.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission launched an investigation into Auslan accessible services after Brita lodged a formal complaint. However, the outcome was disappointing, with Ozcare, the nursing home, only able to provide a support worker for a few visits due to resource constraints.
"We're back to square one. If my aunt needs help or is in pain, there's no way for staff to know," Brita worries.
According to the latest census, over 16,000 Australians use Auslan at home, but there's no data on those in aged care. June, being over 65, is not eligible for NDIS funding, and her aged care status prevents her from accessing services through the Aged Care Assessment Team.
Professor Piers Dawes, a hearing research expert, says people like June can fall through the cracks due to the under-recognition of hearing impairments. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the cultural and communication needs of Deaf people, especially in aged care settings.
"The most common reason for moving into aged care is dementia, so imagine the challenge of not being able to communicate well with carers or engage in social activities. It's an awful situation," he says.
Regis Aged Care Blackburn in Victoria offers a dedicated wing for Deaf residents, with staff trained in Auslan. Deaf advocate Sherrie Beaver highlights the importance of such facilities, especially for those born deaf in the 1960s due to the rubella epidemic. She fears the aged care sector is not prepared for the influx of these individuals in the next two decades.
"There are so many heartbreaking stories of isolated Deaf seniors in aged care. Deaf people need social connections, and their cultural and linguistic needs must be met," Sherrie emphasizes.
This story highlights the urgent need for change and raises important questions: How can we ensure that the aged care system provides culturally appropriate care for all, especially those with complex needs like June? What steps can be taken to address the shortage of Auslan-fluent support workers and improve communication for Deaf seniors? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments!
