Formal dementia care for CALD communities in Australia: a scoping review

Introduction: Dementia is an intractable condition which presents unique challenges in culturally and linguistically diverse populations due to facing barriers to effective care. In Australia, despite the availability of formal care services, generalised care models frequently fail to address the CALD community’s cultural, linguistic and spiritual needs, delaying proper condition management. Understanding these factors is crucial to devising and effectuating culturally appropriate care schemes.

Objectives: To systematically map and evaluate existing literature on dementia care for Australia’s CALD communities, identifying research gaps, and disseminating evidence, to inform culturally safe policy and practice.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on culturally appropriate formal dementia care provisions for the Australian CALD population using Joanna Briggs’ scoping review methodology (2004). Primary literature from 2015 to 2025 was sourced from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus. Studies on prevention, acute care, undiagnosed dementia, and caregivers were excluded. Covidence supported screening and data extraction. Thematic analysis was used to identify the obstacles and improvement strategies in formal dementia care.

Results: Of 518 studies, 10 studies on formal dementia care for Australian CALD communities met the inclusion criteria, revealing two key themes and several subthemes. The first theme outlined key Issues encountered in formal dementia care, including sociocultural barriers, communication difficulties, knowledge and awareness gaps, systemic barriers, restricted access and technology limitations, and diverse care needs. The second theme proposed strategies of developing culturally tailored resources, language support, increasing encouragement and accessibility, workforce development, community education, and policy advancements.

Discussion: Despite the individualised nature of dementia care, CALD communities share common challenges to accessing formal care services. Addressing cultural and systemic obstacles through tailored care frameworks, resource development, and ongoing professional training can enhance accessibility. Further research is required to better understand the specific needs of each ethnic community to create a truly person-centered care approach.