Abstract
Australia's aged population is rapidly expanding, and people from non‐English speaking backgrounds are the most rapidly increasing sector of that population. Although many expressions of concern and disquiet are voiced, very little detailed knowledge exists about the institutional response to this changing clientele of nursing homes. A questionnaire survey of nursing home matrons in Sydney resulted in 163 responses. These provided information regarding the special provisions made for ethnic patients, the difficulties encountered in making provisions, the strategies used to deal with such problems and matrons' general attitudes regarding these issues. Catering for food preferences was the provision most frequently made but also the custom most difficult to accommodate. Family involvement was seen as the most useful strategy in coping with problems. Matrons expressed a strong desire for more interpreters and more information on ethnic needs. Significant differences were found in the provisions made by private and charitable homes but not in their matrons' attitudes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 7-14 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Australian Journal on Ageing |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1989 |
| Externally published | Yes |