Towards inclusiveness in dementia services for black and minoritised communities in the UK

Ahmed, Anya ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6164-0656, Chesterton, Lorna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9668-1941 and Ford, Matthew J (2024) Towards inclusiveness in dementia services for black and minoritised communities in the UK. Working with Older People, 28 (4). pp. 391-401. ISSN 1366-3666

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is twofold: to explore the existing evidence around dementia services and interrogate the overarching UK policy development relating to service inclusion of black and minoritised groups. The paper will go on to identify the implications for the dementia wellness pathway and make recommendations regarding how services can be more inclusive. Design/methodology/approach: This paper examines the policy/practice landscape around dementia care provision and observes if lessons can be learnt to improve health outcomes for people living with dementia from black and minoritised communities. Findings: A review of dementia policy demonstrates how opportunities to improve the awareness, diagnosis and post-diagnostic support for minoritised communities are being missed. The outcomes of this mean that individuals are denied vital treatment and support, which could enhance quality of life and delay the progression of dementia. Practical implications: The authors’ premise is that not meeting the dementia support needs of less-heard communities has negative financial as well as social and health-related outcomes and has wider resonance and implications for all stages of the dementia wellness pathway. Moreover, there is a legal responsibility for public services to provide culturally sensitive, responsive, appropriate and available care, to all people, without discrimination. Originality/value: This paper offers a valuable review of policy and practice around dementia care in the UK and makes recommendations to improve health outcomes for people living with dementia from black and minoritised communities.