Pacific language key to disability carer support
Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services team promotes wellbeing for carers, to help them look after their loved ones living with a disability. So, when Paki Vaipapalangi reached out for advice, the team provided information in his Tongan language to help the family thrive.
Paki Vaipapalangi (L) and Atonio Hiliate (R).
Paki has been the full-time carer for his wife, Tokaga Vaipapalangi, since she suffered a stroke injury some time ago. He contacted Vaka Tautua to find out what support is available for people like him, who spend many hours caring for their family members with disabilities.
Atonio Hiliate, one of Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services Coordinators at the time, connected with Paki and his family as a native Tongan speaker. He informed Paki about the Carer Support funding for people with disabilities that is available from the Ministry of Health.
Carer Support aims to help full-time carers have a break from their caring responsibilities, and can also be used to provide a break for the disabled person.
With his Tongan language skills and knowledge of the government processes and forms, Atonio was able to break down the language barrier for Paki and help him liaise with the Ministry of Health.
Ultimately, Paki’s application for Carer Support was successful, and he called Vaka Tautua to say “Malo ‘aupito” to the team for their service. Paki has since been able to take a well-deserved break.
Atonio says, “Giving our service users the information they need in their own Pacific languages can really help ensure they get the appropriate support. I know Paki and his family are grateful for the help Vaka Tautua has provided. The team is still in touch and has supported them with some of our other services, such as Tupe Wise, our financial capability programme for Pacific families.”
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services.