Residents from non‐English‐speaking countries of birth in Australian aged care facilities

Objective

To describe the activity of daily living and behavioural and complex care needs of residents born in non‐English‐speaking countries in Australian aged care facilities.

Methods

De‐identified cross‐sectional data were provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for all residents in government‐funded facilities on 30 June 2015. Analyses included t‐tests, chi‐squared tests and logistic regressions.

Results

A total of 33 168 (19%) residents were born in one of 188 non‐English‐speaking countries. Compared to residents born in English‐speaking countries, they were significantly younger, lived in larger facilities, were more likely to be male and live in an urban area. Their care requirements were greater for activities of daily living and behavioural and complex care. Residents from non‐English‐speaking countries living in ethno‐specific facilities had higher levels of these needs.

Conclusion

The needs of residents born in non‐English‐speaking countries should be considered when planning aged care services.