Principles for working with CALD people

Person-centred care

Understanding the needs and priorities of the individual, and their family or carers, and tailoring services to respond to what matters to them.

Equity

Understanding the needs of individuals and recognising that people may have advantages and disadvantages that affect the way they self-manage and achieve good health. Culturally responsive health services recognise and respond to these differences.

Empowerment

Drawing on cultural aspects that strengthen the person’s ability to manage their health, such as:

• opportunities for peer support within the community, i.e. religious or other groups
• cultural values that place high value on knowledge and learning
• healthy traditional foods
• cultural practices that take a holistic view of health and aim to achieve balance and harmony between the physical, emotional, spiritual and environmental.