This article discusses findings from a new project on experiences of life-limiting illness and care among minority ethnic elders, carers and health and social care professionals. The project used narrative interviews with older people, carers and health and social care professionals to gather stories about how old age, ethnicity, culture and faith can affect experiences of life-limiting illness and care. It highlights the ways in which social work can support the care choices of older people from ethnic minorities.
This article discusses findings from a new project on experiences of life-limiting illness and care among minority ethnic elders, carers and health and social care professionals. The project used narrative interviews with older people, carers and health and social care professionals to gather stories about how old age, ethnicity, culture and faith can affect experiences of life-limiting illness and care. It highlights the ways in which social work can support the care choices of older people from ethnic minorities.
Subject terms:
older people, palliative care, social workers, terminal illness, user views, ageing, carers, black and minority ethnic people;
This article uses analysis of focus group discussions with palliative care professionals in the United Kingdom to discuss the value of a stance of cultural vulnerability in intercultural social work. Interviews were carried out with older people and carers from racialized minorities (n=33) and health and social care professionals (n=56). The main professional groups interviewed were nurses (n=30) and social workers (n=16). Cultural vulnerability recognizes mutual vulnerabilities in caring relationships. The meanings and potential of cultural vulnerability are explicated through an in-depth case study analysis of a group interview with hospice social workers. Narrative methods are advocated as a resource in supporting practitioners to recognize cultural vulnerability and to work with indeterminacy and difficult emotions. The representation and role of cultural knowledge and racism in social work narratives is given specific attention.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This article uses analysis of focus group discussions with palliative care professionals in the United Kingdom to discuss the value of a stance of cultural vulnerability in intercultural social work. Interviews were carried out with older people and carers from racialized minorities (n=33) and health and social care professionals (n=56). The main professional groups interviewed were nurses (n=30) and social workers (n=16). Cultural vulnerability recognizes mutual vulnerabilities in caring relationships. The meanings and potential of cultural vulnerability are explicated through an in-depth case study analysis of a group interview with hospice social workers. Narrative methods are advocated as a resource in supporting practitioners to recognize cultural vulnerability and to work with indeterminacy and difficult emotions. The representation and role of cultural knowledge and racism in social work narratives is given specific attention.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
palliative care, multicultural approach, ethnicity, death, emotions, racism, social workers, nurses, older people, case studies, black and minority ethnic people, cultural identity;