Perceptions of responsibility for the care of the aged in six Australian communities

The influence of cultural values on beliefs as to who is responsible for the care of frail aged people was examined in a survey of 371 health practitioners from the Chinese, German, Greek, Italian, Arabic-speaking and Anglo Australian communities. All communities attributed a major responsibility to government. The communities differed significantly in their perceptions of the role of community, ethnic and religious organisations, and the family in providing care. There were marked community differences in the perceptions of which family members have the major responsibility to provide care.