When we grow old, we have similar needs no matter the language or cultural background. Creating and developing inclusive service paths is important for an inclusive society. Health and social care service paths refer to the process of how individuals access and receive healthcare services. It encompasses the various steps involved in receiving social and healthcare services, including the initial point of contact, assessment, treatment and follow-up care. The service path typically involves a series of interconnected services and providers. It can also involve support services such as interpretation services.
The service path may differ depending on the specific needs and circumstances of each individual. For example, an older migrant may have different needs and access points than a native speaker. They also may require additional support and resources to access healthcare services. It is important to ensure that the service path is inclusive and accessible to all individuals. This requires a focus on diversity competency and sensitivity, as well as the availability of language and interpretation services, to ensure that individuals can communicate effectively with social and healthcare providers and understand their available services. By creating an inclusive service path, we can improve service integration and create a more equitable service system.
There are several benefits in creating an inclusive service path in the social and healthcare, both in improving health outcomes and cost-effectiveness. By creating an inclusive service path, we can ensure that all individuals have access to the care and support they need. This can lead to improved health outcomes, as individuals receive timely appropriate care and help. Inclusive service paths can help to reduce disparities and improve health equity among older migrants. By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by diverse populations, we can help to close the gap in care access and outcomes. An inclusive path helps us build trust and understanding between care providers and service users, leading to greater engagement and patient satisfaction. An inclusive service path can be cost-effective in the long run by improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities. When individuals receive timely and appropriate care, they are less likely to experience complications or require more costly interventions later on. In addition, addressing healthcare disparities can reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system by improving population health and reducing the need for costly interventions. By developing diversity and inclusion in the social and healthcare, we can build a more equitable and effective service system that serves all members of our community.
As a diversity expert, I believe that there are several ways to improve the current situation and make service paths in health and social care more inclusive for older migrants. Here are some suggestions:
Conduct research
It is important to understand the needs and challenges of older migrants in accessing health and social care services. Conducting research and gathering data on the specific needs and challenges of this population can help identify areas for improvement and inform policy decisions.
Provide diversity competency training
Health and social care professionals should receive training on diversity competency to better understand and meet the needs of older migrants. This can include education on diversity work, as well as communication strategies for working with diverse populations.
Increase language access
Older migrants may face language barriers when accessing health and social care services. Providing interpreters, translated materials, and language support services can help to bridge this gap and ensure that all patients receive the care they need.
Foster community partnerships
Building partnerships with community organizations that serve older migrants can help to improve access to health and social care services. These partnerships can provide a bridge to the older migrants and can help to build trust and understanding between the healthcare system and the community.
Address systemic issues
Older migrants may face systemic issues that prevent them from accessing health and social care services, such as discrimination or lack of access to information. Addressing these issues at the policy level can help to create a more inclusive system that serves all members of the community.
Overall, improving the inclusivity of service paths in health and social care for older migrants requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both systemic issues and individual needs. By working together to create a more inclusive system, we can ensure that all members of our community receive the care and support they need.
Written by ENIEC member Nashwa Khatiri
Diversity work expert, JADE Activity Centre and Meeting place for older migrants
