(Appropriate) Health and Long-Term Care Services for Older Immigrants in a Small Urban Center Of Newfoundland

There is a paucity of research exploring the needs of older immigrants in Canada in general and specifically of those who have settled in smaller urban centers in the Eastern region of Canada. Recently Newfoundland implemented an immigration strategy to attract more immigrants to address the skilled labor shortages, to increase the population that has been shrinking due to outmigration and to replenish a rapidly aging cohort. Most immigrants to Canada settled in larger cities. Out of the small number of immigrants in Newfoundland, many left the province shortly after arrival due to a lack of jobs and other reasons, such as lack of culturally appropriate health and long-term care (LTC) services. This qualitative pilot study explores the potential gaps in culturally appropriate health and LTC services for older immigrants. The study uses a qualitative method approach. The convenience sample consisted of 26 individuals over 50 years of age who were caregivers, care receivers and older persons from various cultural and racial backgrounds, recruited through a local community agency providing services for newcomers. Data were collected through two focus groups and four individual interviews. The findings revealed that health and LTC services in small urban centers of Newfoundland need to be more culturally sensitive. Recommendations are suggested to bridge the cultural gaps.