Barriers in access to dementia care in minority ethnic groups in Denmark: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: To explore barriers in access to dementia care in Turkish, Pakistani and Arabic speaking minority ethnic groups in Denmark. Method: Semi-structured qualitative individual- and group interviews with minority ethnic family carers, primary care dementia coordinators, staff in elderly daycare, and multicultural link workers. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used as theoretical framework. Results: A total of 21 individual- and 6 group interviews were conducted, including a total of 35 participants. On the service user side, barriers in access to dementia care were related to lacking language proficiency and strong cultural norms, including familial responsibility for the care of older family members and stigma associated with mental illness and dementia. On the care provider side, the available formal services were rarely tailored to the specific needs of minority ethnic service users and were often considered inadequate or unacceptable. Conclusion: Care practices and perceived consequences of dementia in minority ethnic communities were heavily influenced by cultural factors leading to a number of persisting barriers to accessing dementia care services. There is a simultaneous need to raise awareness about dementia and the existence of dementia care services in minority ethnic groups, to reduce stigma, and to develop culturally appropriate dementia care options.