Accessing adult social care: ethnic minority communities

Healthwatch North Yorkshire undertook a project to better understand the views and experiences of people from ethnic minority communities in North Yorkshire when accessing adult social care, either for themselves or as family members and unpaid carers.  They carried out interviews and focus groups with 38 people. This included people who had accessed adult social care, people who had not, and professionals working closely with ethnic minority communities in North Yorkshire.

Many people said they needed help with shopping, cleaning, personal care such as washing and dressing, and getting to medical appointments. Unpaid carers said they wanted to care for their loved ones, but this often left them feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, especially when balancing caring with work and other responsibilities.

People said they often relied on family, faith groups and informal networks for support. While some people found these networks helpful, others described barriers. These included family members not understanding conditions such as dementia or neurodiversity. People also said there are limited community groups for some ethnic minority communities across North Yorkshire.

Capability refers to a person’s ability to access and use adult social care services, including their knowledge and understanding of how adult social care works. 

• Language difficulties: Limited English can make it harder for people to seek support or understand what’s available.
• Lack of awareness: Many people did not know about their rights or how to access and use adult social care.

Opportunity refers to external factors that affect access to services, such as the availability of support, language services and cultural understanding.

•  Cultural and religious needs: Some people were worried that services might not respect cultural practices or religious beliefs. 
• Translation issues: Poor access to interpreters or translated materials can make communication difficult.
• Wider barriers: Problems such as poor housing, lack of transport and digital exclusion can make access more difficult.

Motivation refers to factors that affect whether people feel comfortable asking for support, including beliefs, values and past experiences. 

• Cultural expectations of family care: Some communities expect family members to provide care without formal help from services.
• Stigma: Negative attitudes towards dementia or mental health conditions can discourage people from asking for support.
• Fear and mistrust: Past experiences can lead to fear of dealing with authorities
• Modesty and privacy: Some people were worried about personal dignity and mixed gender care. 
• Reluctance to ask for help: Some felt that asking for help was a sign of failure or weakness.