Notes
Key findings:
1) Transitions to supportive living were mainly done when publicly-funded home care services were maxed out, and the health of the senior was declining.
2) Family members experienced shame and guilt when transitioning their elderly to supportive living.
3) Mainstream supportive living facilities often did not have culturally-relevant recreation, social activities and food. Culturally-specific supportive living homes did not have this issue.
4) Language barriers increased feelings of loneliness for seniors living in mainstream supportive living, as compared to loneliness experienced by seniors in culturally-specific facilities.
5) Mainstream supportive living often lacked knowledge and services for culturally competent care, as well as religious rituals and practices.
6) Families found that mainstream supportive living were less willing/able to create culturally-sensitive care since racialized residents were the minority.
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified: The authors state this study is a preliminary step, and much more research is needed to examine the experiences of racialized seniors in mainstream supportive living facilities in Alberta.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key populations: South Asian, Chinese or Arab seniors living in supportive living facilities in Calgary or Edmonton
Key recommendations:
1) Improve the culturally-competent care in mainstream supportive living, as creating culturally-specific facilities for every culture isn’t feasible.
2) Increase the number of diverse staff at mainstream supportive living facilities.
3) Integrate a wider variety of recreation, social activities, religious practices and food in mainstream supportive living.
Location: Calgary & Edmonton, AB
