Care Support Experiences of Older Ethiopian Refugees Resettled in Australia

Abstract

Drawing on qualitative research, the authors analysed the care support experiences of older Ethiopian refugees resettled in Australia. In-depth interviews conducted with 12 Ethiopians revealed that older Ethiopians experienced language and cultural barriers in accessing formal care services, and that they often did not view these services as entitlements they were due as citizens. Findings demonstrated a significant familial orientation to expectations around, and provision of, care support to older Ethiopians, which may be under-recognised in the Australian social work context. The authors argue that given this familial orientation and the difficulty in accessing formal care services, the r..