Understanding linguistic discordance in Residential Aged Care

Older Australians are increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse, with approximately 17% speaking a language other than English and 5.6% reporting limited or no English proficiency. When these older Australians enter residential aged care facilities, they are likely to encounter linguistic discordance – an inability to effectively be understood & to understand others. Despite government policy highlighting the importance of providing care in residents’ first languages, and the availability of free interpreting services through Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) National, little is known about how linguistic discordance is managed in residential aged care in Australia. This study therefore aimed to explore the experience of linguistic discordance for residents with limited English proficiency living in residential aged care in Australia, their families and facility staff. We used an exploratory, descriptive study design using inductive thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five residents with limited English proficiency, eight family carers and twelve staff from two Melbourne residential aged care facilities. We identified five key themes: a hierarchy of communication strategies; a cycle of failed communication; low perceived importance of verbal language; lack of access to suitable communication strategies; and ageism. Staff relied on impromptu, non-verbal and verbally reduced communicative strategies and LEP residents felt misunderstood and disconnected, leading to feelings of isolation and disengagement. To address these findings, we recommend a campaign from TIS National to raise awareness and improve access to this free professional interpreting service.