Connecting older Chinese people to mainstream services in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Abstract
This article presents the issues and challenges facing older Chinese immigrants in accessing mainstream services in Edmonton, Alberta, in Western Canada. The awareness and access to mainstream services and information, perceptions of services, system improvements and use of social media are discussed. Barriers to services include: isolation, impacting physical and mental health; few multicultural services (barriers around translation and access to services); barriers around age and ability (accessibility); cost barriers. The article suggests several recommendations: culturally competent service provision by mainstream services (including removing cost barriers, improving translation and accessibility); more collaboration between ‘mainstream’ service providers and ethno-specific organizations; more consultation with Chinese community; greater accessibility to translation; increased funding for human resources and training.
Notes
Location
Edmonton, Alberta
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
The average length of residency was 22.5 years.
Key Recommendations
Culturally competent service provision by mainstream services (including removing cost barriers, improving translation and accessibility); more collaboration between ‘mainstream’ service providers and ethno-specific organizations; more consultation with Chinese community; greater accessibility to translation; increased funding for human resources and training
Key findings
Aim of study is to develop better understanding of the needs of older Chinese immigrants in Edmonton; barriers to services include: isolation, impacting physical and mental health; few multicultural services (barriers around translation and access to services); barriers around age and ability (accessibility); Cost barriers.
Community organizations
ASSIST Community Services Centre and Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
Gaps identified
Services for seniors lack capacity to serve ethnoculturally/linguistically diverse populations; Lack of translation; cost barriers; transportation barriers; services are not accessible for older people or people with disabilities
Open-access – No
Key populations
Older Chinese immigrants