In what has been an important year to discuss the lives and health of older Australians, this year’s budget has promised an increase in spending across many facets of the lives of older Australians. One of the areas that have been included in the investment are services that facilitate translation and communication for older Australian’s for those facing cultural and language barriers.
If 2020 has taught us anything as a country, it is that communication is one of the most important parts of life. Whether it is education, health or other important services, being able to access information that is both linguistically and culturally accurate is absolutely vital. The Federal Government has recognised this and has promised a $65.2 million investment into translation and interpreting services for those trying to access aged care and other health services.
Australia has such a diversity in language and culture, so it is only reasonable that services should be accessible to all Australians. Aged care can be a tricky system to navigate, so when you add in the barriers of language and cultural differences, many people may miss out on the vital information they need to make not just informed decisions but access to the services that will improve their quality of life.
As a translation service that operates all around Australia, at Interlingual we are celebrating this news. Dedicated to providing accessible translation and interpreting services to all Australians, we know firsthand just how beneficial quality services are when it comes to navigating certain areas and services. Communication helps the world go round and without it, people are put at unnecessary risk of not getting what they need. Protecting some of Australia’s most vulnerable groups is easier when we are able to offer them the services, they need to not just survive but thrive in their golden years.