The characteristics of Indian subcontinent origin elders newly referred to a psychogeriatric service
Abstract
Background
The ethnic elderly population in the United Kingdom is increasing. Clinical, social and demographic characteristics of ethnic elders referred to and utilizing psychogeriatric services are unknown. Thus, this study was designed to compare these characteristics between Indian subcontinent origin ethnic elders and indigenous elders newly referred to a psychogeriatric service.
Method
All new referrals to a psychogeriatric service over a 2-year period were examined. Clinical, social and demographic characteristics of Indian subcontinent origin ethnic elders were compared with those of indigenous elders.
Results
Ethnic elders were younger, had more children, had more people living in their household, were more likely to be married, were less likely to live alone, were more likely to have schizophrenia and less likely to have dementia. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to use of almost all health and social services resources at the time of the referral and after the initial assessment.
Conclusions
These findings do not support the traditional view that ethnic elders do not adequately access psychogeriatric and social services and that they are primarily cared for by extended families. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
