Objective:To compare assessment and dementia rates for different client countries of birth in the New South Wales Aged Care Assessment Program (NSW ACAP). Methods: The NSW ACAP Minimum Data Set and Australian Bureau of Statistics census data were used to calculate age-standardised assessment and dementia rates for different client groups based on country of birth. Characteristics of people with dementia were examined to explore reasons for variation by ethnicity. Results: ACAP assessment and dementia rates for people from several overseas-born groups in this study were significantly lower than those for Australian-born clients (P < 0.05). Statistical differences were maintained for 1996 and 2001. Characteristics of those with dementia and born overseas were significantly different from Australian-born clients. Conclusions: Australian-born ACAP clients have higher assessment and dementia rates than many overseas-born groups. Further examination of reasons for these differences is required to ensure equity of access to services for all aged people.

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