Catalyst Foundation is working in collaboration with Chinese Welfare Services to provide structured, culturally appropriate aged-care information to Adelaide’s Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking communities. Throughout the twelve-month program, Catalyst attends Chinese social groups on a regular schedule, delivering a series of information sessions designed to build knowledge progressively over time.
Each session is delivered with the support of a professional interpreter to ensure clarity, accuracy and respectful communication. We bring translated information sheets in simplified Chinese, enabling participants to revisit key messages after the session and share the information with family members if they choose.
The program focuses on supporting older Chinese community members to better understand Australia’s aged care system—including My Aged Care, assessment pathways, available services, eligibility, and how to access support that aligns with their needs and preferences.
We visit groups regularly so we can tailor each session to respond to the questions, challenges and concerns raised previously, while steadily increasing participants’ confidence in navigating aged care.
Working within familiar community settings supports individuals to have a positive experience with access to expertise to minimise language barriers and encourage open discussion. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to empower participants with reliable information, strengthen self-advocacy, and ensure older Chinese Australians can access the services they need to remain healthy, connected and independent at home.
This project aims to equip Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking older adults with the knowledge, confidence and support needed to navigate the aged care system independently. By providing regular, interpreter-supported sessions and translated resources, we expect to reduce language barriers, increase understanding of My Aged Care processes, and strengthen participants’ ability to make informed decisions about their care.
Over the year, we anticipate greater awareness of available services, earlier help-seeking, and improved access to supports that enable people to remain living safely and comfortably at home. Ultimately, the program aims to empower participants, foster independence, and ensure culturally respectful pathways to aged-care services.
