Measuring and valuing quality of life for economic evaluation and quality assessment: what is important to older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities?

In order to support Consumer Directed Care and the successful implementation of the new Aged Care Quality Standards it is essential that the aged care sector has access to a suitable and acceptable instrument for measuring and valuing quality of life. The perspectives of older people, especially those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, are not reflected in any existing quality of life instrument. This project aimed to identify what quality of life attributes were important to people from CALD communities as they aged. The study used qualitative methodology including interviews with older people from five different CALD communities. Additional data was gathered to inform the interviews from a synthesis of relevant literature and focus groups with aged care providers, advocacy groups, carers and families. A conceptual quality of life model will be developed which identifies the most important factors for people from CALD backgrounds. This project is part of Ruth Walker’s research program in the intersections between disability and ageing.