PolishCULTURE PROFILE

Published 2006 by: DiversicarePO Box 5199West End, Queensland, 4101Phone: (07) 3846 1099

Polish Culture Profile

Thanks is given to the following people:Margaret Hess, Director, DiversicareElizabeth Zajac, Project Officer, PICAC

… and to all those persons who have providedcomment about this directory.

Editor: Jennifer Leigh (J Leigh & Associates)

DisclaimersThis directory is a synthesis of information from arange of sources believed to be reliable. Diversicaregives no warranty that the said base sources arecorrect, and accepts no responsibility for anyresultant errors contained herein or for decisionand actions taken as a result and any damage.

Please note there may be costs associated withsome of the resources and services listed in thisprofile.

INTRODUCTION 4

BACKGROUND 5Migration experience 6Australian statistics 6Customs in everyday life 6Cultural stereotypes 7

FAMILY 8Family structure 8Attitudes to residential care 8

PERSONAL HYGIENE 9Bathing 9Dress 9Grooming 9

PENSIONS 10

LEISURE AND RECREATION 10Daily Routine 11Social groups 11Television 11Movies 12Radio 12Newspapers 12Books 13Music 13

RELIGION 14Profile 14Important days 15

FOOD AND DIET 18Meals 18Food sources 19

HEALTH 20Trauma situations 20Attitudes to illness and pain 20Perception of health professionals 20

DEATH AND DYING 21Palliative care 21Death & dying 21

LANGUAGE 22

PHRASE CARDS 23

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 38

CORRECTION / ADDITION FORM 40

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This profile of the Polish culturalcommunity is just one of the manyprojects undertaken by the QueenslandPartners in Culturally Appropriate Care(PICAC).

The Queensland PICAC Project aims tofacilitate the development of partnershipsbetween ethnic community groups andresidential aged care service providers toimplement “best practice” strategies ofcare for older people from diversebackgrounds. The project is about ensuringthe needs of older people from a Polishcultural background are met.

Funded by the Commonwealth Departmentof Health & Ageing, the project inQueensland is managed by Diversicareunder the auspice of the EthnicCommunities Council of Qld.

Population trends within Australia areincreasingly characterised by a diversity ofpeople, languages and culture. Coupledwith this trend is an ageing population,also with a rich diversity of languages andcultures.

It’s not surprising then, that residentialaged care service providers are faced withincreasing demands for culturallyresponsive facilities and care.

This profile aims to assist by enhancing:• staff knowledge of the cultural and

linguistically diverse needs of persons from

a Polish background. It also seeks tofacilitate the professional competenceand development of staff in theprovision of culturally inclusive care; and

• the organisation’s compliance with theResidential Care Standards and NationalAged Care Standards as they pertain tothe issue of cultural and linguistic needs.

The profile provides useful informationabout a range of topics, resourcesincluding books, articles, audio-video aids,services, and so on.

This symbol is used to indicate a ‘tip’,which YOU, as the caregiver of aperson who was born in Poland, mayfind useful in your day-to-day supportof that person.

In an effort to maintain the accuracy ofthis profile and improve its contents, forall stakeholders, we encourage readers tocomplete the feedback form on the lastpage to inform us of any inaccuracies orother resources available. It is consideredthat this feedback will assist us maintain auser relevant and quality resource.

Yours Sincerely

Margaret Hess Elizabeth ZajacDirector PICAC Project Officer

INTRODUCTION

The Republic of Poland (or ‘Polska’) withWarsaw as its capital, covers 312.685 sqkilometres. It’s divided into sixteenprovinces (or ‘wojewodztwo’) -Dolnoslaskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lodzkie,Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Malopolskie,Mazowieckie, Opolskie, Podkarpackie,Podlaskie, Pomorskie, Slaskie,

Swietokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie,Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie.

Located in Central Europe, sharing borderswith Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia,Ukraine, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus,Poland is mostly flat plain with mountainsalong its southern border.

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BACKGROUND

Migration experience Many Polish refugees came to Australiaafter World War II.

From 1957-1966 emigration occurredfollowing relaxation of emigration laws bythe government of Poland.

The emergence of the Solidarity tradeunion movement and declaration of martiallaw in Poland at the end of 1981 resultedin a third wave of emigration to Australia.

During the period 1980 – 1991 Australiagranted permanent entry to more than 25 000 Poland–born people, many arrivingas refugees.

The improvement in living conditions inPoland and more stringent migrationcriteria has significantly reduced the levelsof Poland-born migration to Australia.(Source: Polish Community Information Summary,

DIMIA 2003)

Australian statisticsAs at 2001 Census, 58,070 Poland-bornpersons have settled in all AustralianStates, with 5,240 Poland-born peopleresident in Queensland.

Of the total Poland-born population inAustralia (2001 Census):• 38.4% are aged over 65 years;• 54.3% have either a trade or tertiary

qualification;• 57.2% were employed in a skilled

occupation, 25.9 % in semi-skilled and 16.9% in unskilled jobs; and

• females comprised 53.1% and males 46.9% ; and

• their ancestry includes Polish (85.2%), Jewish (1.8%) and German (1.2%)

(Source: Polish Community Information Summary,

DIMIA 2001)

Within Queensland, individuals born inPoland and aged 60+ years represent some779 individuals.

Due to the length of time in Australia,Poland-born persons have a well-established network of services andactivities (eg Polish Clubs) in most Statesof Australia and key regional centres ineach State.

The above data means the Poland-born person you are caring for ismost likely to have been welleducated, have worked in a skilled joboutside the home and been part ofestablished social and recreationallinks to other Poland-born persons.

Customs in everyday lifeFormal manners are important to Poland-born aged persons.

Greetings. People from Poland, can bequite formal with strangers with politenessat the initial contact being greatly valued.

A handshake is the most common form ofgreeting upon meeting or leaving andapplies almost every time they meet. Inmixed company, a women’s hand is shakenbefore the males’, with an older women’shand shaken before a younger woman’shand. The aged Poland-born grew up in atime when it was also customary for a manto kiss the lady’s hand.

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Poland-born people enjoy greeting eachother, sometimes exchanging embraces ora ‘kissed’ greeting which is a delicatetouching of cheeks. This indicatesfamiliarity rather than love, with touchbeing the display of caring common amongfamily members and friends.

Referring to others. You shouldn’t usefirst names with people you don’t know oronly know a little. Most Poland-born peopleprefer the use of titles ‘Mrs’ (or ‘Pani’) and‘Mr’ (or ‘Pan’) followed by the Christianname or surname. Even worse is to callsomeone only by his or her surname.

The dropping of titles such as Doctor,Professor is also taken as impolitebehaviour.

The appropriate use of the person’s nameand appropriate titles is particularlyimportant where the person has dementiaand may have reverted to their culture oforigin naming protocols.

Gestures. It is considered an insult topoint your index finger to one’s forehead.

Entering a room. It is courteous to standwhen a women or the host enters a room.It is also considered good etiquette formales to open a door for females to letthem enter first.

Attire. Sloppy or overly casual clothing isconsidered inappropriate in public.

Taboos. It is not good etiquette to askfemales about their age (eg. ‘how old areyou?’). Also tact is needed when discussingWorld War II and political issues related tothe 1945 -1950s.

The above customs are from a time inwhich the older generation lived andwere raised. They may not be evidentin the younger generations today –especially those people born after1960’s.

Cultural stereotypesPoland-born people are seen as easy going,helpful and very friendly. They are anexceptionally hospitable nation with an oldadage of ‘a guest in the home, God in thehome’, meaning a guest is to be offered allthe best things available. A guest in aPolish home is warmly welcomed and maybe overwhelmed by the outpouring ofgenerosity.

For some Poland-born people, alcoholserves a culturally important function,particularly during social occasions, suchas name day, birthday, and New Yearcelebrations. Non- Poland-born people maysee the amount and strength of drinksconsumed at such occasions as excessive.

Punctuality is also important to Poland-born people with lateness being a sign ofbad manners. Depending on the status ofthe person for whom they are waiting,Poland-born people may be intolerant oflateness in others. Even in socialsituations, people are expected to arrive ontime.

Poland-born people as a group tend toshare thoughts and ideas freely and have akeen sense of humour. Most Poland-bornpeople enjoy a robust conversation, talkingof their jobs, politics, health problems andmisfortunes in the same way as Australianstalk about such things as football.

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Polish heritage is also associated with highculture in terms of theatre, literature, art,concerts, and opera.

Whilst identifying as Polish, each personalso has a strong sense of regional culturalidentity. There are diverse cultural andsocial differences between the 16 provincesof Poland. The region in which the personlived will impact on the person’s prefer-ences related to such things as festivals,food, drink, music, dance, clothing andlanguage dialect etc.

It should be remembered this is justone view of Polish culture and doesnot apply to every Poland-bornperson. This reality means YOU shouldestablish each Poland-born person’spreferences.

For more information The Poland-born community, CommunityInformation Summary, Department ofImmigration and Multicultural andIndigenous Affairs (DIMIA), 2006. Availableas a PDFhttp://www.immi.gov.au/statistics/stat_info/comm_summ/textversi.

Family structureA successful family life is a very importantto Poland-born people. The father isgenerally the head of the family whereoften both parents work. The most popularfamily model is the 2 + 2 formula (mother,father and two children).

Traditional family values and loyalty arestrong in most Polish households. Theelderly play an active role in helping adultchildren in their daily routine withfamilies. The extended family is also veryimportant, however many aged Poland-born persons do not have extended family.

Attitudes to residential careResidential care is seen by elderly Poland-born people as the last option and otherin-home support programs will be accessedto prolong independence for as long aspossible. For many older Poland-bornpeople leaving home and moving intocommunal living arrangements isequivalent to losing their independence.

It is traditionally expected that childrenwill look after their parents’ needs.However, Poland-born background peoplewho have lived in Australia for a numberof years may no longer have anexpectation of family involvement inhis/her care.

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FAMILY

However, as with any community,individual attitudes may vary, and someelderly may expect their offspring to takecare of them and therefore be unwilling toaccept placement in residential care.

If you need help to provide culturallyappropriate care, the assistance of thePICAC Project Officer is available freeof charge to your agency or theresident. This service is restricted togreater metropolitan Brisbane andTownsville. For more information onPICAC contact Diversicare on (07) 3846 1099.

The routines and preferences surroundingthe following personal hygiene activitiesgreatly impact on the person’s sense ofself, pride, dignity and confidence.

BathingWhilst there are no specific norms inbathing, most Poland-born persons want ashower daily, with some even preferring toshower twice a day.

DressThere are cultural norms surroundingdress whereby sloppy or overly casualdress in public is seen as inappropriate.Clothing also needs to be in good repairand ironed.

What is considered ‘appropriate’ dress isdetermined by the individual and will beinfluenced by the region in which he/shelived.

GroomingPoland-born men and women look aftertheir personal appearance and areconcerned about how they look. Womenwill prefer to wear makeup, jewellery, nailpolish, perfume and have neat, wellgroomed hair. Men tend to usecologne/after shave, clipping nasal and earhair and trimming nails etc.

It is important each person’s prefer-ences related to their dress, bathing,grooming etc are established as partof their care plan.

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PERSONAL HYGIENE

People who lived and paid taxes in othercountries are often eligible for a partialpension payment from that country.

Australia doesn’t have a reciprocalarrangement in place with Polandregarding the payment of pensions.

If you receive any foreign pension,Centrelink must be informed and yourAustralian supplement will be reducedaccording to the increased amount fromPoland. Failure to notify Centrelink canresult in a debt and fine being imposed.

A Poland-born person can check his/hereligibility for any pension from Poland bycontacting the Embassy:

Economic and Commercial OfficePolish Embassy10 Trelawney StreetSydney NSW 2025Ph (02) 9363 9821Fax (02) 9327 2216brhsydney@bigpond.com.au

General InformationEmbassy of Poland7 Turrana StreetCanberra/Yarralumla ACT 2600Ph (02) 6273 1208E-mail: ambpol@clover.com.au

Check your local telephone directoryfor your local Centrelink office.

Theatre, cinema and musical festivals arefavourite forms of leisure for the Polish,with visits to art galleries and museumsalso being popular.

Soccer is extremely popular both as aspectator and participant sport withathletics and boxing also being popularspectator sports. Cycling is a traditionalleisure and sport pastime, as is walkingthe dog.

Another popular “activity” is watchingtelevision (on average 4 hours a day) withvisiting shopping centres also becomingvery popular in Australia with ageingPoland-born persons. Poland-born personsalso enjoy drinks with colleagues andfriends plus sing songs etc.

Many Poland-born people, even those whohave lived in cities, had an allotment ofland and enjoyed growing vegetables andflowers in their leisure time. Even a box orsome boxes in which to grow vegetablescan be very fulfilling to older Poland-bornpeople. It is also common to have pot plantand potted flowers inside the house (eggeraniums, marigolds, African violets etc).

Older women often like to make preserves,jams, compotes, cakes and pastries.

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LEISURE AND RECREATION

PENSIONS

The above information can assist indeveloping diversional therapyactivities eg tending potted flowersthat are kept in the person’s roomand/or a small box of vegetables keptin a communal area, and/or cookingcakes or pastries, etc. However, youneed to check with each individual hisor her preferences in regard torecreational activities.

Daily RoutinesOlder Poland-born persons like a routine(eg when she/he rises of retires, bathes,has meals etc) and generally have astructured pattern to the day, and likessticking to these times.

You need to establish with eachindividual his/her preferences relatedto his/her daily routine and timings.

Social groupsThe Polish clubs in Brisbane andQueensland exist to provide communityfunctions, arts, information, welfare andsupport. Contact details are:

’Polonia’ Polish Associationn of QldPresident: Mr Leszek WikariuszPh (07) 3389 0000Manager: Ms Grazyna Kornel10 Marie Street, Milton Q 4064Ph (07) 3369 2747Mobile 0412 122 209

Polish Seniors ClubPresident: Pawel SwiecickiPh (07) 3392 7290

Kosciuszko Polish Assn of Darra23 Station Avenue, Darra Q 4076President: Ela AleksiukPh (07) 3282 5611

Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Assn44 Holland Cr, Capalaba Q 4157President: Witold KuczynskiPh (07) 3823 1738

Australian Polish Assn andSeniorsPO Box 527, Pacific Fair Q 4218President: Mr Leon SkibaPh (07) 5502 0919Vice-President: Mrs Viesia HarlacePh (07) 5554 5765

TelevisionThe SBS television network is available inmajor cities in Queensland. SBS providesPolish-speaking movies, programs or news.Polish news is available on Sunday 9.30amand Monday 12.30 noon.

SBS television programming can bedownloaded from their website by going tothe following address:www.sbs.com.au/whatson/index.php3-then choose what you are interested infrom the listed menu.

In greater metropolitan Brisbane, alsocheck Briz31 programs, which can bedownloaded from their website by going tothe following address:http:/briz31.tv/news.asp

Check your TV program guide or thewebsites for local viewing time asthey may change in rural areas oracross time zones.

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MoviesSometimes Polish language DVDs areavailable at large Department stores (eg.Big W). It is important you check on theback of the DVD for the list of languages inwhich it is available.

It is also possible to purchase Polish-language movies from the website by doinga search, eg: http://multilingualbooks.com/foreignvids.html -then go to show Google cache than go toQuick Link and press Polish.

You can search the Brisbane City Councillibrary catalogue via its language collectionby going to the following website andchoosing the preferred language which willthen take you to a screen where you chooseyour category of interest (eg movies,books, music, DVDs):www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi/7UzA31L2U/44230061/1/1246/X

RadioBroadcasting in Polish language occurs onSBS – radio 1107AM Sydney• Mondays 1.00pm – 2.00pm• Wednesdays 1.00pm – 2.00pm• Fridays 1.00pm – 2.00pm• Sundays 1.00pm – 2.00pm

In greater metropolitan Brisbane, it is alsopossible to tune into 4EB (Fm 98.1) andtheir program guide can be downloadedfrom their website at the followingaddress:http://www.4eb.org.au/progguide.htm

Broadcasting in Polish language occurs on4EB FM98.1:• Tuesday 6.00pm – 6.45pm• Thursday 6.00pm – 7.00pm• Sunday 7.30am – 8.30am

Check the radio program guide or thewebsite for local listening times asthey may change in rural areas oracross time zones. For more, specificinformation you can contact Radio4EBFM – Polish Section: Ph (07) 3240 8600 Fax (07) 3240 8633

NewspapersAs mentioned earlier, the province in whichthe person lived in Poland can affecthis/her preferred newspaper. There are atleast six sources to acquire a newspaper:

1) A Polish language newspaper isavailable in Brisbane from Creek StreetNewsagent (Cnr Creek and ElizabethStreets, City) Ph (07) 3229 2888

2) Go to the following web address:http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspxand access a copy of followingnewspapers:• Fakt• Gazeta Wyborcza and• INFO nurt 2

3) You can search on the web using thename of the publication. For example, thefollowing are available free from thewebsites:• Dziennik Polskiwww.dziennik.krakow.pl/public• Gazeta Krakowska www.gk.pl/• Zycie Warszawywww.zw.com.pl/apps/index.jsp

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4) The following web address gives youaccess to another 11 Polish newspaperswhich you can download:http://www.mediatico.com/en/newspapers/europe/poland/

5) You can contact “Krakus” in Sydney toorder some Polish magazines:Krakus - Shop 2, 7 Willan Dr CartwrightPhone/Fax (02) 9607 5394

6) Tygodnik PolskiPh (03) 9362 0128Fax (03) 9362 0108Email: polishweek@optusnet.com.auRedactor: Jozefa Jarosz

If the person can’t use a computer,YOU can access the internet, loadthese newspapers and print all orsome pages which can then be givento the person to read at their leisure.

BooksRegardless of your location in Queenslandit’s possible to arrange to have Polish-language books sent to your local libraryfor a small fee from the State Library ofQueensland. The State Library of Qld alsohas available Talking books in Polish.

You can search State Library of Queenslandon: http://www.slq.qld.gov.auchoose catalogues then public libraryservices catalogue, then search by ‘anywords’ – then write in Polish(You also can look for Polish movies andmusic DVDs.)

You can also search the Brisbane CityCouncil library catalogue via its languagecollection by going to the followingwebsite and choosing the preferredlanguage which will then take you to ascreen where you choose your category ofinterest (eg movies, books, music, DVDs):www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi/7U2zA3lL2U/44230061/1/1246/X

ONLY for those persons who are visuallyimpaired and a member of the Qld BlindFoundation, it is possible to borrow fromits talking book library which has somePolish-language taped books. You will needto complete an application form, and ifapproved, borrowing rights then apply.Contact 1300 654 656 to obtain a referralform.

MusicMusic is very important to Poland-bornpersons regardless of gender. It’s a strongcultural expression of who that person isand the region he/she lived in.

The key thing to remember with music is alikely personal preference for music of theera in which they were teenagers or intheir twenties.

You can find some Polish music CDs, atmusic stores at (eg Big W, Myers etc). Thelarger speciality music stores can alsoorder Polish music or you can purchasefrom their websites eg. Sanity’s webaddress allows you to search for Polish-language music and CDs. Their webaddress is: http://www.sanity.com.au

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You can search the Brisbane City Councillibrary catalogue via its language collectionby going to the following website andchoosing the preferred language which willthen take you to a screen where youchoose your category of interest (egmovies, books, music, DVDs):www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi/7U2zA3lL2U/44230061/1/1246/X(Please note, a fee may apply fororganising inter-library loans.)

Be sensitive to cultural and individualdifferences by establishing eachindividual’s preferences. Also checkwhether family members can assist infinding Polish language books, videos,DVDs CDs etc.

ProfileOf the total Poland-born population inAustralia the major religions are:• Roman Catholics (75.0%)• Judaism (6.6%)• Lutheran (1.0%) and• 5.7% stated “No Religion” (Polish Community Information Summary, DIMIA,

2003)

The daily life of Poland-born people isclosely linked with the Catholic Church,which has been strongly maintained inAustralia. Most Poland-born people belongto a church, even if they may in practicenot be regular attendees.

In Brisbane, the Church of Our Lady ofVictories is a spiritual and educationalcentre, as well as a meeting place forgenerations of Polish-Australians.

Sunday Mass is, for many Poland-bornelderly, a strict ritual. The Polish Mass iscelebrated on a regular basis in theBrisbane area:• Bowen Hills Catholic Centre - every

Saturday 6.00pm and every Sunday 10.00am

• Darra Catholic Centre - every Sunday 7.45am

• Woodridge Saint Paul – every Saturday 7.30pm

• A Polish mass at Gold Coast area is celebrating in Stella Maris Church at 10.30am – every Sunday

• A Polish mass at Sunshine Coast area is celebrating also in Stella Maris Church at Maroochydore – once per month 12.00.

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RELIGION

Churches where Poland-born peoplecan attend Polish Mass are:

Our Lady of Victories1 Roche Avenue, Bowen Hills Q 4006Parish Priests: Father Stan Wrona,Father Andrzej KolaczkowskiPh (07) 3252 2200

Stella Maris268 Hedges Avenue Broadbeach Q 4218Father: Zbigniew PajdakPh (07) 5504 6297

Stella Maris37 Baden Powell Street Maroochydore Q 4558Father: BernardPh (07) 5475 4693

Polish Catholic priests and Sistersvisit those residential facilities thatcare for people from a Polishbackground. Contact the abovechurches notifying the Church of anyPoland-born residents and visits willbe arranged.

Remember there can also be a differencebetween nominating a particular religionto practicing that religion in ones’everyday life (or whether all or only somerituals/practices within that religion areobserved).

Equally, just because a person when youngdid not practice or observe their religiondoesn’t mean as the person ages he/shemight now wish to practice.

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You need to establish each person’sreligious preferences and link him/herinto a local minister of that religion.

Important DaysThe following listing is not intended to beexhaustive; rather it lists the major shared‘special days’. You should check with theperson or his/her family if there are otherspecial days, which are important to thatperson.

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Festivity

Lent

Easter(Vielkanoc)

Good Friday(Wielki Piatek)

Pentecost orHoly Spirit

Month / Date

Lent lasts for 40 daysand finishes on GoodFriday

Commences on PalmSunday – the Sundaybefore Easter

Friday before Easter

Easter Saturday

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday

40 days after EasterSunday

Customary practices

A time of preparation for Easter. People may chooseto fast or not eat meat. People attend Mass regularlyand chasten themselves.

Twigs of willow brunches are consecrated in churchand kept at home to protect against harm.

Day of fasting – confession and communion areextremely important. No meat but hearings are eaten.People prepare for Easter (eg house cleaning, foodpreparation etc).

Continuing preparation for Easter celebration.Children paint eggs. A little basket of food is takento church to be blessed (traditional Swiecenie –“sh-vee-en-tse-nee”). The traditional Easter symbolsinclude a small lamb made of sugar, butter, pastryor chocolate bunny and small pieces of the greenparts of the green box plant.

Celebrated with candles, flowers and ringing ofChurch bells. People attend the special Easter Mass.After Mass the family eat a meal comprising traditionaleggs, yeast cakes (or “babka”), poppy seed cake,ham, vegetable salad, horseradish etc.

People sprinkle each other with water in amountsthat range from a few drops to a bucket-full.

Poland-born people attend church, celebrating aspecial Mass.

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Festivity

Corpus Christi –Boze Cialo

All Saint’s Day

St Nicholas Day

Christmas(BozeNarodzenie)

New Year’s Eve(Silvester)

Month / Date

60 days after Easter(usually Thursday)

1st November

6th December

Celebrated on 24 &25 December

25th December

31st December

Customary practices

This is a big holiday to Poland-born people. There isa Mass followed by a procession from outside thechurch. The elements of the procession are“stations”/altars - usually 4 altars are built,symbolising the 4 corners of the earth.

Homes are decorated with the green branches takenfrom the procession and kept at home as “holybranches” bringing people happiness/luck andprotection.

This is a time of remembrance and prayers for thedead. Families will travel long distances to visit thegraves of relatives leaving flowers, wreaths andcandles.

Giving of a small gift with a note on which is written“From Santa”.

Festivities begin on Christmas Eve, which is a timeof family gathering and reconciliation. Familiesdecorate the Christmas tree and put family giftsunder the tree.It is also customary to share a church-blessed wafer(oplatek), and wishes of happiness and prosperitybefore the evening meal (fish, hearings, beetroot orfish soup and/or dumplings with mushroom &sauerkraut). After supper, Christmas gifts are openedand carols sung. At midnight, the whole familyattends a special Mass (‘Pasterka’).

The family share a meal during breakfast containingham sausages and duck, goose or turkey. Dessertusually consists of poppy seed cake and gingerbread.

Parties are held and at midnight church bells ringand toasts are made to the new year (‘SzesliwegoNowego Roku’).

Polish cuisine is rich and very filling,consisting of soups, sauces and savourymeats that can be relatively high in fat.The typical Polish dietary staples are bread,potatoes, sausages, vegetables, fruit andmilk products.

Favoured ingredients that give Polish fooda distinctive taste include marjoram, dill,leaf parsley, wild mushrooms, sauerkraut,beetroot, cucumbers (dill cucumbers orgherkins) mushroom, eggs and carawayseeds etc.

Traditional Polish meal times (which differfrom the Australian timings) has evolvedfrom different working hours in Poland(7am – 3pm).

MealsBreakfast Usually includes bread rolls, orbread, butter, scrambled or boiled eggs,cheese, sliced ham or sausage.

Second breakfast Served aroundmorning tea time, it is usually sandwichesmade from rye bread topped with a varietyof fillings (eg: cheese, sausages, andhearings – with tomatoes, lettuce etc. plusblack tea or coffee.

Lunch This is the main meal and is called“Obiad”, which is eaten early in theafternoon (usually 2-3pm). A normal Obiadwould consist of soup, the main courseand also dessert.

Supper Can consist of open sandwiches orhot food like soup (especially in winter),dumplings or sandwiches with cold meats.

On Fridays meat isn’t eaten instead itis replaced with fish.

Poland-born people are happy to eat soups(eg. beetroot soup, barley soup, dill soup,pork tripe, chicken soup or vegetablesoup). Very popular are also dumplingswith meat, white cheese apples,strawberries or plums. Other favouritedishes include buckwheat groats, potatopancakes (which can be served forafternoon tea).

Some traditional Polish dishes include:• bigos (a rich sauerkraut and meat based

dish)• golabki (cabbage rolls with rice and

mince meat)• barszcz (beetroot soup), flaczki (tripe

soup)• mizeria (cucumber, dill and cream salad)• nalesniki (pancakes) • dried or stewed fruit compote• a variety of yeast cakes and pastries

A variety of Polish recipes can be found bytyping the phrase ‘Polish food’ into anInternet search engine.

It is important to establish each person’sfood preferences, cooking style (eg friedversus poached), quantity and timing ofmeals and recorded as part of their careplan.

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FOOD AND DIET

Food sourcesBelow is a list of known suppliers of Polishfoods in South-East Qld. For those personsoutside of Brisbane, you could phone andsee if they can organize a delivery to yourlocal area. There would obviously beadditional costs.

Continental Food Warehouse19-21 Balaclava StreetWoolloongabba Q 4102Ph (07) 3891 5068

Adam’s Continental Smallgoods206 Cobalt Street, Carole park Q 4300Ph (07) 3271 3044

Charlie’s Bakery40 South Pine Road, Alderley Q 4051Ph (07) 3356 9521

Krystyna OkoPh (07) 3300 2188Sells Polish products and food at PolishClub – 10 Marie Street, Milton (every twoweeks)

“U Elzbiety”Ela GasiewiczPh (07) 3209 5436Sells Polish food at Polish Club – 10 Marie Street, Milton (every two weeks)You can order food for Christening,weddings, birthdays etc.

KrakusShop 2, 7 Willan Drive, Cartwright, SydneyPh (02) 9607 5394Fax (02) 9607 5394(You can order the sausages, other meatproducts and other Polish food)

Shop workers sell food at the Polish Club(every two weeks) 10 Marie Street, Milton Q.

For more information contactMs Grazyna Kornel – Polish Club Manageron: (07) 3369 2747 or Mobile: 0412 122 209.

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Bread

ryesour doughwholemealand crustybread rolls

Cheeses

a variety ofyellowcheeses andwhitecottagecheese

Vegetables

potatocabbagered cabbagebeetrootbeanscauliflowerbrusselsproutsspinach

Poland-bornpeople liketheirvegetables wellcooked.

Meat / Fish

sausages,breaded porkcutlet,meatloaf,roasted lamb,beef cutlets,crumb orbattered fish

Fruit

apples,mandarinsorangesbananas

Drinks

teacoffeeherbal teamineralwaterfruit juice

For specialoccasionswine or beer,or for some,small glass ofvodka.

Trauma situationsWorld War II is a subject that needs to behandled with tact and understanding. Itshould not be forgotten that Poland-bornaged persons have lived through a verytraumatic time arising from not just thewar experience but also the years post-warwhen times were very tough.

From 1945-1953 a “people’s democracy”arose based on the Soviet model(effectively under communist control)which eased somewhat in 1953 whenStalin died. From 1970 - 1981 outbreaks ofstrikes, demonstrations and civil unrest ledto dire food shortages.

During these years from 1970-1981, Poland-born people were imprisoned as politicalprisoners and large numbers of theyounger educated people left Poland. Manyfamilies were split up and dislocated tocountries that gave asylum. Older peoplemay have lived through these times andconsequently suffered trauma, so tact isalso required to uncover whether there areany persistent problems.

Attitudes to illness and painPoland-born people can at times displaystoicism towards pain and may ‘suffer’ insilence; however others will seek treatmentas soon as symptoms develop. SomeCatholic Poland-born people also believepain comes from God giving the personanother chance to pay/atone for previousbad behaviours.

Pain-relieving drugs are generally accepted,but some people try to use distraction as ameans of coping with pain prior to usingmedication. Poland-born persons desire tolearn as much as possible about the sideeffects of various medications.

Complementary medicine is also seen tohave an integral role in the health ofPoland-born persons, alongside westernmedicine and often without informingmedical practitioners. Some will usehomeopathic remedies in combination withchanges in lifestyle and eating habits.(Some herbal medicine and pharmaceu-ticals are sometimes privately importedfrom Poland.) Word-of-mouth medicationrecommendations also carry a lot of weightwith elderly Poland-born persons.

Poland-born people also typically followmedical orders carefully and submit tovarious kinds of medical treatment,including tests, operations and medication.

Perception of health professionalsGoing to health professionals is usual andPoland-born persons are used to themedical hierarchy (ie. General Practitionersfor overall health with referral toSpecialists as needed for more in-depthtreatment).

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HEALTH

Traditionally, doctors and other healthprofessionals are given great authority invarious aspects of life and are wellrespected within the Polish community.Poland-born people are polite to authorityfigures and therefore aged Poland-bornpeople may not ask a doctor for clarifi-cation fearing doing so may offend theDoctor.

Due to language barriers aged Poland-bornpeople prefer Polish speaking medicalpractitioners.

This may mean YOU shouldn’t perceivea Poland-born person who questions adoctor or health professional as beingdifficult. Nor should you consider theperson as ‘being difficult’ shouldhe/she wants a second opinion or toaccess complementary medicines ofsome type.

Palliative CarePalliative care was not provided in Polanduntil after 1990. It is likely that Poland-born elderly persons will be unaware thatsuch services exist or what it entails.

Traditionally, the diagnosis of a terminalillness would not be communicated to theperson concerned but rather to theirfamilies who then decide when and how (if at all) to convey it to the patient.

Occasionally families, relatives and friendsmay wish to “protect” the person fromdiagnosis and prognosis of a terminalillness. Very often family members believethat if the prognosis is communicated tothe patient he or she may lose the will tolive and therefore don’t appreciate such adirect approach.

In light of a possible culturalpreference not to deal with thissubject directly, you many need todiscuss this issue with the relevantfamily member. Try to check what thefamily knows about palliative careand if fragmented provideinformation, documenting any statedpreferences on the person’s care plan.

Family members and friends stay with thedying person so that he/she doesn’t feelabandoned.

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DEATH AND DYING

DeathFor Poland-born Catholics, religious ritualsinclude the administration of HolyCommunion and the Last Rites.

Funeral customs are determined by theChurch and the wishes of the family. Afterburial, mourners are invited for a wake or‘stypa’ where drinks and food are served inmemory of the person. Most Poland-bornpeople have a stoic acceptance of death aspart of the life process, and a strong senseof loyalty and respect for their loves ones.

Relatives also wear black clothing on theday of the burial. The spouse may chooseto wear black clothes for up to 1 year (theyear of mourning). Graves of loved onesare visited for years to come, particularlyon All Saint Day – 1st November, whenflowers and candles are placed on thegraves.

Cremation or burial will be a personalchoice based more on religious beliefsthan cultural norms. It is important toestablish each person’s wishes in theevent of palliative care or death andrecorded as part of their care plan.

The official language is Polish with eachregion having its own dialect, which canbe more pronounced, in rural areas.Because many of the elderly Poland-bornpersons have been in Australia for manyyears, they also speak English.

YOU need to be aware that justbecause they once could speakEnglish, this does not mean:a) they necessarily spoke it fluently orextensively OR b) they have retained these skills ashe/she aged OR c) that it is their preferred languageas speaking English can be tiring tothe elderly – as they are engaging ina translation-type of process.

For more InformationA variety of language guides targeted athealth and everyday activities is availableat a cost from:HENDRIKA (HEalth aND Rapport InteractiveKommunication Aid)PO Box 326, Beaudesert Qld 4285 or viawebsite address: www.hendrika.com.au

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LANGUAGE

Following are phrase cards, originallyproduced by the Multicultural Access Unit,Health Department of Western Australian(reproduced with the permission of theDepartment of Health Library, Perth,Western Australia).

The cards are arranged under fiveheadings, in the following order:• Greetings• Food• Personal Care• Pain• Requests

These cards are available fromDiversicare’s PICAC Project Officer bycontacting:Ph (07) 3846 1099.

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PHRASE CARDS

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Diversicare Resources• Cultural Diversity Resource Directory for

Residential and Community CareAgencies, 2005. Lists all known resourcesunder chapter headings of –Communication, Cultural background,Health and Personal Care, Lifestyle, Legal,Management, Resources.

Phone Director, Diversicare for thisresource on (07) 3846 1099

Useful WebsitesWestern Australia www.health.wa.gov.au/mau/

New South Waleswww.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public-affairs/mhcs/resources/index.html#top

Victoriawww.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcht.nsf/CategoryDoc/PresentCategory?Open

Federal Governmentwww.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/multilin.htm

www.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/pubindex.htm

Cross Cultural Health Program (USA)www.xculture.org/resource/order/index.cfm?Category=Articles

Centre for Culture Ethnicity andHealth - Video Cataloguehttp://www.ceh.org.au/video_catalogue.htm

Alzheimers Australiawww.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=14

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW www.alzheimers.org.au

Queensland Health – MulticulturalHealth Publicationswww.health.qld.gov.au/publications/restopicmaster.asp?Rec=40&frmHealthTopic=MulticulturalHealth

Queensland Transcultural MentalHealth Centrewww.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc/multilingual_resources.asp

Cancer Foundationhttp://www.cancerindex.org/clinks13.htm

Nutrition Australiawww.nutritionaustralia.org

Information Lines

Aged and Community CareInformation Line: 1800 500 853

Carelink: 1800 052 222

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

LibrariesOrganisations must be registered toborrow

Diversicare Ph (07) 3846 1099

Blue Care Ph (07) 3377 3327

Queensland Transcultural MentalHealth Centre Ph (07) 3240 2833

HACC Resource Unit Ph (07) 3350 8653

Alzheimers Association of Queensland Inc.Ph (07) 3857 4043

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Please complete the following page if you are aware of either incorrect details or youknow of additional resources that should be included.

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Post FaxDiversicare Attention: Margaret HessPO Box 5199 DiversicareWest End Qld 4101 Fax: (07) 3846 1107

Thank you for your assistance in keeping this document current.

49 – 51 Thomas Street West End Q 4101PO Box 5199 West End Q 4101Ph 07 3846 1099 Fax 3846 1107