Factors associated with aged care utilisation among the Chinese-speaking elderly in Australia

Abstract

Background: The proportion of the aged population from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds is growing significantly over the years, however many studies have reported health inequality and under-utilisation of aged care services among this population. Objectives: This paper, in preparation for a larger study, aims to explore issues which may influence aged care use among the Chinese elderly by undertaking a review of literature and three case studies of older Melbournians of Chinese-speaking backgrounds. Results: The review found that use of aged care services is determined by health need, as well as demographic, social structural, psychological, familial, community and organisational factors. While age and health status are common factors that were identified to influence the utilization of aged care services regardless of ethnicity, other factors such as language, migration circumstances, filial piety, and care source preference were socially and culturally related factors that affected utilisation of aged care among Chinese elderly. Additionally, the case studies of the Chinese elderly in Melbourne also demonstrated that the aged Chinese population is an internally diversified group demonstrating considerable variation in attitudes toward aged care use. Conclusion: Based on this review, a modified Andersen behavioural model is developed as the framework to guide the future study which will adopt the mixed methods research design, consisting of survey and in-depth interviews.