Episode Details

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How do we ensure that every individual, regardless of their cultural or spiritual background, receives dignified and inclusive care at the end of their life? Today, we tackle this vital question with two incredible guests who are championing change in aged and palliative care.


In this episode, I sit down with Tonina Gucciardo-Masci, Community Engagement Manager at Palliative Care Victoria, and Nikolaus Rittinghausen, Manager at the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing. Both are working tirelessly to ensure that aged and palliative care services in Australia are culturally inclusive and respectful of each person’s individual needs.

Tonina shares her experience collaborating with multicultural and multifaith communities to promote equitable access to palliative care, dispelling myths and advocating for care over cure. Meanwhile, Nikki dives into the innovative strategies his organisation employs to make aged care more inclusive, from diversity mentoring to practical tools like communication cards available in over 70 languages.

Together, we explore the challenges of adapting systems designed for a "one-size-fits-all" approach, the importance of culturally appropriate food and spiritual practices, and the role of open conversations in breaking down taboos around death. This episode is a call to action to put inclusion at the heart of care.

What We Discuss:
•What palliative care is and why it’s about quality of life, not

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Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/