How can integrated care build on the assets of importance to older people from black and minority ethnic communities?

Background: To be person centred, integrated care must focus on what matters to the person, and coordinate support not only between professionals but also with the informal and community networks and resources which are important to the person and their family. Such practice involves therefore better understanding of community assets and how services can collaborate with them in building local resources. To date though, little research in this area has explored what assets matter to older people from minority communities.

 

Approach:This research project has responded to this gap in knowledge through exploring the perspectives and experiences of older people within the Sikh community. Following significant migration in the 1950’s, the Sikh community is one of the largest minority populations in England with many continuing to use Punjabi as their first language.

 

The study took a qualitative approach carried out in collaboration with a faith- based Sikh organisation. The research questions were shaped in discussion with a panel of people with lived experience of health and social care.

There were three key themes:

• Older people’s understanding of ‘strengths’ which contribute to their wellbeing
• The assets (e.g. social, financial, cultural, environmental) which contribute to these strengths
• The role of voluntary, health care and social care agencies in complementing these assets

In total, twenty-seven older people from the Sikh community were interviewed.

Data gathering was led by a researcher from the University with support from a Punjabi speaking community researcher. Interviews were recorded, translated into English

where necessary and transcribed by external agencies. The interviews are being analysed by thematic analysis by the research team with their interpretations being shared with the lived experience group.

 

Results: Initial analysis has revealed that faith and the freedom, independence and continuing ability to attend the Gurdwara is a huge strength in their lives. This involves prayer, support from others and a place to fulfil Seva (self-less service). The close proximity of the Gurdwara to the faith-based organisation and its primary care services (Dentist, GP surgery and Pharmacy) means that the Elder Sikhs can commit to their self-service . The family is seen another important strength, with most of the participants enjoying the support of 2 generations of family members living with them. Health care appointments with mainstream agencies are seen as problematic due their lack of flexibility to fit around their need to fulfil Seva at the Gurdwara,

 

Implications: This study provides better understanding of the strengths, and challenges that exist within a minority community, the potential role of faith based voluntary organisations in promoting their wellbeing and how integrated care services can better collaborate with such supports. It suggests that more research is needed in the UK and internationally on how integrated care should respond to the different contexts and supports of those from minority communities.