Older Chinese Australians? Understanding of Falls and Falls Prevention: Exploring Their Needs for Information

Abstract

Falls-related injuries are common and costly in Australia. They have a considerable impact on an older person?s health and quality of life, yet very little is known about falls-related issues in people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This research aimed to explore the needs of older Chinese Australians in relation to falls prevention and to help the future design of culturally-appropriate falls prevention programs among this ethnic group. Two focus group discussions were conducted in Cantonese with 15 Chinese older people in Melbourne. Findings highlighted that this group of Chinese older people had a need for further education on falls risk factors and prevention strategies, preferably in their first language. Allied health services were viewed as being unfamiliar to participants. Findings indicated that falls prevention programs need to take into account Chinese older people?s special language needs and service delivery preference.