Issues to be mindful of when mediating with CALD Elders

There are some aspects need to be considered when mediating in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Elders setting.

Issues that can cause conflict or dispute with any Elders, but particularly harshly impact CALD Elders with low English Language command, may arise out of a diverse range of situations – from living in residential aged care facilities, in independent / family living settings where the person experiences challenges of independent living, as well as aged care support services providers, various health settings such as hospitals or GPs, in various administrative and/or legal environments, such as government agencies, tribunals, lawyers, other advocacy services, etc.

SOME ISSUES of highlighted significance in a CALD EM setting include:

-        Language barriers – literacy levels sometimes/often low

-        General educational level, comprehension, capacity, hearing – often not adequately recognised because of the language barrier

-        Cultural prejudices and generalisations clouding communication – often present on both sides

-        Focus on particular family or customary issues – for example, sons given more prominent ‘position in the family’ than daughters

-        Vulnerabilities and miscommunication arising out of all of the above.

My presentation to the Resolution Institute members on 24 February 2025 will explore the above issues as well as present a couple of case studies from my practice, to illustrate.