Abstract:

The use of health services and institutions in Australia by carers from non-English speaking-backgrounds is proportionately lower than that of other Australians. This study documents the experiences of such carers in order to understand the reasons for underutilisation. Forty women carers were interviewed, with bilingual interviewers or interpreters being used where necessary. Findings suggest that there are insufficient ethnospecific services and that many service providers have little or no understanding of the cultures of the people they are seeking to assist. The report also suggests that, contrary to popular belief, carers of non-English-speaking backgrounds do not receive sufficient support from extended families, highlighting the need for support from formal community services.