ECU research shines timely light on aged care needs of Chinese older adults and how they find belonging in Australia

The study investigated the aged care service needs and experiences of Chinese elderly immigrants in Perth. It also explored culturally specific service provision through Chung Wah Community Care, which serves over 1,200 elderly clients from diverse backgrounds.

As part of the research Ms Huang conducted surveys with 152 Chinese older adults and 10 family caregivers. She also conducted 15 in-depth interviews with community members, family caregivers and staff.

"Australia's diverse Chinese elderly population continues to grow. However, there are well documented gaps, as identified in the recent Aged Care Reforms, between mainstream aged care services and the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities," Ms Huang said.

Key findings:

• Many Chinese seniors face major language barriers, with only a small proportion fluent in English and most relying on Mandarin or Cantonese, which limits their access to services and ability to participate in care.
• Social isolation is a significant concern, particularly for those living alone, and community-embedded services like Chung Wah Community Care play an important role in fostering belonging.
• Family caregivers report high levels of burden but see clear benefits in culturally appropriate supports. Transport also emerged as a critical need, helping to maintain seniors' independence.
• There is also a strong need for home-based and culturally specific services, with most participants preferring linguistically and culturally aligned care that supports their identity and overall wellbeing.

Providing a model for culturally adaptive service development

Ms Huang said the report provided an important opportunity to better understand how culturally specific community organisations can help older migrants feel at home in Australia.

The research showed that Chung Wah Community Care not only addresses critical gaps in culturally and linguistically diverse community support but also provides a model for culturally adaptive service development that has broader implications for Australia's increasingly diverse aging population.

"Many elderly Chinese migrants experience social isolation, language barriers and a loss of independence when they come to Australia," Ms Huang said.

"Through places like Chung Wah Community Care they find a space to reconnect with their culture, make friends and feel that they truly belong."

Ms Huang's PhD research internship builds on a longstanding partnership between ECU's Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab and Chung Wah Community Care.

CEO of Chung Wah Community Care, Mrs Theresa Kwok JP, has dedicated around 40 years to supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Western Australia in aged care, and was recently awarded an ECU honorary award of Fellow of the University in recognition of her inspiring service to community.

Mrs Kwok said Chung Wah Community Care was proud to partner with ECU on research that reflects the lived experiences of its clients.

"For many of our seniors, Chung Wah Community Care is more than a service provider, it's a community where they feel connected, valued and respected," she said.

"We're delighted that this project will help share their stories and highlight why culturally sensitive care is so important in supporting wellbeing."

The report 'Exploring the experiences and needs of Chinese older adults and their family caregivers' was recently launched at Chung Wah Community Care's Willetton Hub in an event attended by Mr Sam Lim, Member for Tangney, Chung Wah Community Care management and staff, ECU researchers, and members of the local community.