The frail aged living in the community and their carers: a survey of Chinese, Greek and Anglo Australians

A survey was conducted of Greek (N = 27), Chinese (N = 21) and Anglo Australian (N = 26) carers of frail aged people living in the community. The health and dependency status of the aged groups were similar as were many of the experiences of the carers, e.g. stress experienced, appreciation of community services used. Anglo Australian carers were less likely to reside with the aged and seemed more attuned to eventual nursing home placement. Greek carers used fewer services, were least likely to have considered placement and emphasised their duty to care. Chinese carers were those most likely to use services and appreciate their potential for maintaining the aged in the community. Mary Westbrook is Associate Professor in Psychology and Dr Varoe Legge is Senior Lecturer in Sociology in the Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. In this capacity they are involved in the education of practitioners in ten health professions. They are currently researching attitudes toward physical disability and rehabilitation in six Australian communities.