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During a recent visit to Purple House, members of the Support Hub team had the opportunity to see first-hand how culturally safe, person-centred aged care can be embedded across an organisation.
Purple House provides non-residential aged care services to Aboriginal people in Alice Springs, Yuendumu and Mt Liebig, with dignity, respect and compassion at the heart of its model of care. Services are tailored to the needs of each individual and include personal care, meals, transport, social support, domestic assistance, primary health care and support to return to Country.
What stood out to the team was that cultural safety was not simply reflected in the services being delivered—it was evident in the way the whole organisation works.
“Purple House are a culturally grounded organisation which deliver person-centred care in aged care. This also reflects their staff and ways of working and respecting each other and clients. It’s evident when you walk into Purple House that they are one big happy family, including their clients.”
– Tammy
This culture is supported from the moment staff join the organisation, including through a comprehensive induction and a strong “muck in” approach where people work alongside one another to support Elders.
Purple House’s Kurrunpa–Kana initiative also helps ensure each Elder’s story remains central to their care, from intake through to clinical discussions. This approach recognises that delivering quality care means understanding the whole person—their story, culture, family, Country and individual needs.
Connection to Country remains an important part of this approach. Alongside everyday supports such as nutritious meals, personal care, allied health and transport, Purple House helps Elders return to Country, including through bush trips supported by community-raised “love money”. Its dedicated Primary Health Clinic also supports health, wellbeing and renal care, with the goal of helping people return home to Country wherever possible.
The visit provided a valuable example of what culturally safe aged care can look and feel like when culture is embedded throughout an organisation—from governance and staff relationships through to clinical care and the everyday experiences of Elders.
Thank you to Purple House for welcoming members of the Support Hub team and sharing your knowledge, approaches and ways of working with us.
Purple House Aged Care Website
