It's her definition of "quality care" that I have problems with. Older people aren't all the same, although we might like to think so. It is wrong to assume they will not want a say in who's caring for, and supporting them.
We may have to ensure cultural safety for Pakeha residents becomes a reality in rest homes in the future.
In the 1990s Irihapeti Ramsden was vilified when, as a nurse educator, she suggested cultural safety for Maori should be taught to health professionals in the New Zealand Health Services. The uninformed were against it as they believed when you're sick you don't care about cultural safety, you just need looking after.
She has been proven right and because the principles of cultural safety have been recognised as relevant to all cultures its application has been broadened accordingly.
But asking rest home residents to take "cultural classes" is going about it the wrong way. This is currently happening in a number of New Zealand rest homes. Some residents are being accused of racism towards foreign workers. By taking classes they can familiarise themselves with their cultures and won't do or say anything to offend workers through their lack of cultural awareness.
In my view older Pakeha in rest home care should be insisting on cultural safety practices relevant to their needs first and not the other way around. At the same time support needs to be provided to overseas aged-care workers so they have the sensitivity and self-awareness to provide safe care.
Rest home residents' care should be a stress-free experience. Being surrounded by workers who are there for the money only, admittedly prepared to work hard at it, won't provide the "added value" that comes from being cared for by someone who knows you; your background and culture.
Older people aren't invisible. They like company and can talk about all manner of things if we take the time to talk to them. Having efficient staff is desirable but we should never confuse efficiency with quality aged care.
One meets standards of hygiene and quality audits while the other centres on the person - including taking the time to talk to and show an interest in them. To do the latter you need staff who are culturally aware, have good communication skills and the time to put down their cleaning gear.
At present there are around 80,000 young New Zealanders under the age of 24 who are work ready but unemployed. Thousands of them turned out this week to honour Anzac Day. They already show understanding and goodwill towards older people.
Why not harness 10 per cent of the unemployed youth, those desperate to find work, and steer them towards jobs in the aged care health sector? We will then have a young workforce where they get trained, qualified and are valued.