About this project
Deaf Connect wants to understand Deaf seniors’ lives in aged care.
We looked at:
- How Deaf seniors get information
- What happens when moving from home to aged care
- How easy it is to use Auslan in aged care
- What helps Deaf seniors feel safe, connected and happy
We talked to Deaf seniors, families and aged care workers.
We then wrote a report and share what we learned.
Deaf Seniors Research Report
What Does Good Aged Care Look Like for Deaf People?
To help answer this question, 193 Deaf seniors, family members, Children Of Deaf Adults and aged care providers shared their experiences through interviews and focus groups across Australia.
Their stories and insights have helped build a deeper understanding of what supports quality of life for Deaf people as they age, and how aged care services can better support communication, culture and community connection.
Produced by Deaf Connect, this report identifies opportunities to strengthen culturally appropriate aged care for Deaf Australians.
View the Deaf Seniors Research Report
Why these stories are important
Many Deaf seniors do not get the right support in aged care.
Sometimes staff do not know Auslan.
Sometimes Deaf people feel alone and cannot join in.
Your experience can:
- Show what is going wrong
- Show what is working well
- Help Deaf Connect ask government and services to do better
- Help make aged care more Deaf friendly
Who participated in the study?
193 Deaf seniors, family members, Children Of Deaf Adults and aged care providers shared their experiences through interviews and focus groups across Australia. This included:
- Deaf seniors aged 65 or older who use Auslan
- Family members, CODAs and carers who support Deaf seniors
- Aged care workers and service providers
This was also open to those who do not live in aged care now. Deaf people thinking about aged care or using home support, could still join.
How did people get involved?
There were different ways you can join:
- Focus groups in person
In places like Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Geelong, and Sunshine Coast. - Online sessions
For people who cannot travel. - Interviews
One-to-one conversations with Deaf seniors, families or aged care workers.
You could choose what was best for you.
You also could stop at any time if you felt uncomfortable.
Where were the discussions?
Deaf Seniors Research Project Update Roadshow | Parramatta
- 11 November 2026
- 10:00am - 12:00pm
Deaf Seniors Research Project Update Roadshow | Burnie
- 19 November 2026
- 10:00am - 12:00pm
Watch Parties in Sydney & Adelaide
In Sydney and Adelaide, our Community Engagement Coordinator’s hosted Watch Parties in our Parramatta and Mile End offices.
If wanted to attend an office, and participate in the online session – you could reach out.
- Sydney Watch Party – Contact Community Engagement Coordinator Miriam Foong:
- Email: [email protected] | SMS: 0438 384 360
- Location: Deaf Connect Parramatta office – Level 4/69 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW 2150 (click here to get directions)
- Time: 10:30am arrival for an 11:00am start, finishing at 1:00pm
- Adelaide Watch Party – Contact Community Engagement Coordinator Kylie Rickards:
- Email: [email protected] | SMS: 0438 384 360
- Location: Deaf Connect Mile End office – 200 South Rd, Mile End, SA 5031 (click here to get directions)
- Time: 10:00am arrival for a 10:30am start, finishing at 12:30pm
What happens with your information?
We will:
- Collect stories and information
- Look for patterns and common problems
- Write a national report about Deaf seniors and aged care
- Share a summary with the Deaf community
We will not share your name in the report.
We will keep your information safe and private.
Accessibility Note
We will provide:
- Auslan interpreters or Deaf facilitators
- Captioned videos
- Printed information for Deaf seniors who prefer paper
If you need other support, please tell us.
We will do our best to help.