WELCOME TO UNITED
United, Spanish Latin American Welfare Centre is the go-to organization for the Spanish speaking communities of Victoria. UNITED has served the Spanish and Latin American communities for more than 40 years through a variety of programs and services, in response to the changing needs of the 20 plus Spanish-speaking communities residing in Victoria.
We are a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides culturally and linguistically appropriate aged care and home-based services, including support at home for seniors, social support groups, volunteer visiting services, community education and community development projects, an information and referral service, and advocacy and consultancy.
YEARS SERVING THE
SPANISH SPEAKING COMMUNITY
The Spanish-Speaking Community in Melbourne: A Focus on Aged Care
Melbourne is renowned for its cultural diversity and houses a dynamic and expanding Spanish-speaking community, consisting of individuals from diverse Latin American countries as well as Spain. According to the 2021 Australian Census, the largest Spanish-speaking groups in Victoria come from Colombia, Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain. These communities not only contribute to the cultural richness of the region but also have specific needs, particularly relating to the ageing population.
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Growth and Geographic Distribution of the Community
Analysis of the Spanish-speaking population across Victoria shows a trend of growth in various metropolitan and suburban areas beyond central Melbourne. Suburbs such as Casey, Brimbank, Melton, and Wyndham show large concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents. This indicates that the community is not limited to specific areas but is spread across the region, highlighting the need for accessible services in various locations.
The Importance of United in Supporting Elderly Spanish Speakers
The ageing trend within the Spanish-speaking community in Victoria is also evident. Census data shows a considerable number of people aged 60 and over in this community
As this population ages, they face specific challenges related to language barriers and access to appropriate services. In this context, United positions itself as a key provider of care services for elderly Spanish speakers in Melbourne. As the only aged care provider 100% specialised in the Hispanic community, United offers personalised services that are culturally inclusive and delivered in the native language of its clients. The fact that 100% of our staff speak Spanish ensures that clients receive high-quality care without the barriers they might face with other service providers.
A Culturally and Linguistically Inclusive Approach to Aged Care
For elderly Spanish speakers, having a provider who not only speaks their language but also understands their cultural values and expectations is crucial to their well-being. United strives to offer a warm and familiar care environment, where the cultural traditions of its clients are respected and celebrated. This not only improves the quality of life for elderly individuals but also helps them maintain a sense of identity and belonging within a community that values and supports them.
In summary, the Spanish-speaking community in Victoria is diverse and growing, with a significant proportion of elderly individuals requiring specialised care services. United, with its unique focus on aged care for Spanish speakers, positions itself as an essential resource for this community, ensuring that their cultural and linguistic needs are met comprehensively.
Sources
- Australian Census 2021 Data: Data on the Spanish-speaking population in Victoria was used for demographic analysis of countries (Country of birth person).
- Government of Victoria – Latin American Community Profile: VicConnect.
- City of Melbourne – Community Atlas and Language Profile: Atlas, Profile ID.