Muslims in Australia and their aged care needs: An exploratory study with special reference to South Australia

The Report “MUSLIMS IN AUSTRALIA AND THEIR AGED CARE NEEDS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA” was prepared for the Islamic Information Centre of South Australia (IICSA) as an important step toward making aged care in general, and residential care in particular, responsive to the needs of the Muslim community in South Australia. Since the online publication of the Report in 2013, the Government has been implementing a range of aged care reform measures. The Report has been revised and updated to reflect the changes to the aged care sector as a result of these planned reforms. Other data and information in the Report have also been updated. The Report seeks to make a case for enhancing the choice of Muslims when it comes to choosing the right care for their twilight years. Therefore, the main argument of this Report is that faith considerations must be recognised in care planning and delivery so that appropriate care can be offered to practicing Muslims. The overarching theme of the Report is the context in which this care can and should be provided. It seeks to explore the current status of aged care in Australia with regard to meeting the needs of Muslim older people and propose steps that would help in providing appropriate aged care for the growing number of Muslims in this country. The Report provides insights into Islam and Muslims so as to put the issue of Muslim aged care into proper perspective; it also provides opportunity to clarify some concepts in the context of Muslims, such as culture, ethnicity, and spirituality. The Report contains background information on some of the basic details of aged care, particularly those pertaining to care in a residential setting.