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Translated health resources: From the perspective of a Greek cultural consultant

Written by Antonios Maglis

  • 7 September 2022
  • Number of views: 659
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Translated health resources: From the perspective of a Greek cultural consultant
  1.  Why is there a need for translated information in your community?

    The first generation (post-war migrants) who migrated to Australia in the 50’s and 60’s are aged 75 and over and have minimal formal education. Majority of this cohort lacks access to technology and internet, and the ones who did speak a little bit of English at work, lost their knowledge of the language when they retired. They rely on printed in-language materials and resources to access information and navigate health and ageing services. It is not uncommon for this group to rely on adult children and others for their daily needs and this dependence increases when various health issues arise. 
     
  2.    Are there any ways that caring responsibilities are different in your culture (as compared to mainstream Australian culture)?

    No culture is homogenous and even though there may be some common elements, each person is unique and their response to universal issues such as caring for the elderly, coping with a terminal illness, receiving a diagnosis and dealing with change, may differ from others experiencing the same issue. 

    96%+ of Greek Australian’s are citizens and part of ‘mainstream Australian culture’. With that being said, traditional notions still exist in certain cohorts, meaning that there are some expectations that adult children must look after the elderly. Particularly, daughters to look after the practical things of caring, and sons to deal with finances and property. Extended family is also often involved in the decision-making process and in a collectivist culture they are meant to be respected. However, as mentioned earlier, one size does not fit all.  Our recommendation (at PRONIA) has always been to have a person-centred approach and endeavour to meet the needs of each individual as they present. 
     
  3.    Are there any additional challenges that someone from your culture may have, in caring for a loved one in Australia (as opposed to in their home country)?

    There is no comparison between the caring here or there (in homeland). The systems are very different in Greece and in Australia. Even the word ‘carer’ doesn’t exist in the Greek language. Every person and every family are different. The need may be similar, however, even within the same group there is always diversity within diversity. Some people may have more support systems in Australia, whereas others may have less challenges in Greece. Some families have very small number of members living here in Australia, whereas others may have most of their extended family nearby. The challenges will vary accordingly. 
     
  4.    Are there any differences as to how advanced disease, dying, or bereavement are understood and discussed in your culture?

    The traditional Greek religious notions influence the mainstream Greek community and affects the way people respond to illness and death. For example, orthodox Greeks have certain rituals around bereavement including wearing black and specific memorial services. The topic of death and related issues is generally taboo in the traditional Greek community and is a topic to be avoided for discussion.  There are strong rules and expectations about how the bereaved should behave, should wear and activities to participate in.  Although the community  is adapting to the mainstream culture expectations, some of the topics around death and dying are slow to change.  
     
  5.    What were the key changes that you needed to make to the English versions of the CarerHelp information for your community?

    We primarily focused on changing some of the terminology to make it more culturally appropriate around death and bereavement. We also added in information on religious rituals that follow a person’s passing.
     
  6.    How might the CarerHelp resources be best used within your culture?

    Perhaps printed copy may be given to interested clients in various groups and activities. Community education in various settings and media may be used to sensitize the community in regard to these supports and how to navigate and access information. 

    Author: Antonios Maglis, Community Engagement and Capacity Building Officer at PRONIA 
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