Admissions of elderly patients from English-speaking and non-English-speaking backgrounds to an inpatient psychogeriatric unit

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare differences between elderly patients from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB) and English-speaking backgrounds (ESB) admitted to an acute psychogeriatric unit. Method: Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collated from inpatien t files for a 12-month period and analysed according to NESB and ESB status . The 1996 Australian Census data were used for comparison of catchment are a representation of different ethnic groups. Results: With a few exceptions, admission rates for elderly patients from N ESB reflected the representation of that ethnic group in the catchment area population figures. No significant differences were found between the two groups for mean age, length of stay and previous admissions to the unit. Pa tients from NESB were less likely to be admitted voluntarily and less likel y to be diagnosed with affective disorder. These differences were more mark ed for males, who were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia. Conclusions: These findings suggest that further investigation is required into the accessibility of psychiatric hospitalisation for elderly patients from NESB. Underrecognition of disorders such as depression and reluctance to accept necessary inpatient management are two possible factors that shou ld concern mental health service providers for the ethnic elderly. A subseq uent analysis will examine if differences also exist between elderly patien ts from NESB and ESB who receive community-based psychiatric treatment. Imp lications for mental health service provision for the elderly from NESB are discussed.