17 June 2021
Stories to Inspire
Increasing linguistic diversity of aged care staff through consumer language lessons
Jacinta Jarutis
Group Lifestyle Coordinator - Medical and Aged Care Group
Rebeca G. Portero
Lifestyle Team Leader - Medical and Aged Care Group
Jacinta and Rebeca discussed the successes of the Italian Language Class project which commenced in June 2020 at Medical and Aged Care group's Residential Facility in Melbourne's Northern region entitled Northern Gardens. The Italian class is a cultural exchange promoting connection and relationships as well as giving older people the opportunity to share their strengths. Teaching Italian is now a weekly Friday class and residents have expressed feeling motivated to share their language, culture, and traditions. Italian letters & videos are also exchanged with Italian preschool children.