Caring for our elders

[Extract] This chapter explores the heath and wellbeing of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the factors that need to be considered in relation to their care, including chronic disease, a shorter lifespan and culturally safe and appropriate ages care. We argue that older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families make conscious decisions around care and that the role of nursed is to assist individuals and their families in making informed decisions. We discuss the reasons why some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may be viewed by some health professionals as being non-compliant or disengaging in the health system and their on-going care, including palliative care, when in fact they are making conscious choices, which can be culturally defined.