Hospital stays can be hard, especially when people are away from home, Country, family and community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may have cultural, family or communication needs that help them feel safe. TOP5 helps staff understand what is important by writing down simple tips shared by family, carers and Aboriginal Health Workers. These tips help staff give care that is culturally safe, respectful and right for the person.
What TOP5 is about
Families and carers often know what helps the person feel safe, calm and comfortable. When someone is in hospital, staff may not always know these things. TOP5 writes down these important tips so staff can understand the person better and care for them in the right way. If the person is too unwell to speak for themselves, family or carers can share these tips with staff.
TOP5 can include:
- things that may cause distress and how staff can help
- cultural or family considerations
- who the family spokesperson is
- what helps the person feel safe, calm and comfortable
These tips help staff provide care that aligns with what matters to the person.
How TOP5 works
Families, carers or Aboriginal Health Workers can talk with nursing or health staff about TOP5. Staff will write the person’s tips and strategies on the TOP5 form so all staff can read and follow them.
A TOP5 may include one tip or up to five. It can be updated at any time if the person’s needs change.
Who is a carer?
A carer may be a family member, friend, neighbour or community member who provides support to someone who is unwell, has a disability or is older. Carers often help with daily activities, appointments, communication and keeping the person safe at home or in the community.
Carers play an important role in sharing knowledge that helps staff understand the person’s needs.
Examples of TOP5 strategies
These examples reflect the types of strategies families may want staff to know:
- “Joe is a married man and would feel shamed if a female nurse assisted with showering. Please wait for his wife or brother to help, or he may become uncooperative.”
- “When health care decisions need to be made for Bev, please speak with our family spokesperson, Aunty Leonie.”
- “Mick has bad memories of previous hospital visits and is fearful of staff. Please talk to him about treatments with family present to help build trust.”
- “Because of Mick’s fear of hospitals, he will feel more settled if he is in a bed near the window where he can see outside.”
These examples can be adapted to suit the person’s cultural needs, preferences and circumstances.
Culturally safe care
Cultural identity, family, community and connection are central to wellbeing. TOP5 supports culturally safe care by helping staff understand:
- who should be involved in decision‑making
- how the person prefers to be spoken to
- what helps the person feel safe
- what may cause distress
- how cultural or spiritual needs can be respected
Aboriginal Health Workers can support families and staff to create or update a TOP5.
Support from Aboriginal Health and Carer Support
Nunyara Aboriginal Health
Phone: 02 4320 2698
Email: CCLHD-Nunyara@health.nsw.gov.au
Carer Support Unit
Phone: 4320 5556