A recent study by the University of East Finland shows that obstacles to social and medical services between older immigrants and dementia migrants in Finland are interconnected. The study, conducted between professionals working with elderly immigrants and dementia immigrants, was published in The Journal of Intercultural Gerontology.
Some of the challenges for access to social and medical services between older immigrants and dementia migrants in Finland include linguistic obstacles and do not have sufficient digital skills or information on rights and available social and health care services. The lack of expertise among professionals, the lack of families and friends, abuse and cultural differences and perceptions were also an obstacle.
The study emphasized how the linguistic obstacle can affect the ability of older immigrants and immigrants with dementia to use digital services, which in turn can limit their access to information on their rights and available services. Combined with no family and friends, these obstacles can increase the risk of abuse and exploitation. Although linguistic training is offered in general, elderly immigrants may find it difficult to learn a new language. Migrants with dementia, on the other hand, are in danger of forgetting the languages they have learned at a later stage.
Family members, immigration communities and NGOs (NGOs) play an important role in facilitating access to social and medical services between elderly immigrants and dementia immigrants. Immigrant communities and NGOs also help reduce pressure on the requirements of services. However, NGO resources are limited and it is vital for government agencies to increase their support for NGOs.
Doctoral researcher Alex Berg of the University of East Finland underlined the practical consequences of the study findings:
“Our study recommends using more bilingual staff so that elderly immigrants and dementia immigrants can seek services on their own in their native language. Providing information about the available services in different languages can also help them get acquainted with their rights and services available. ”
The study also highlights the importance of avoiding stereotypes and assumptions by providers, as well as dealing with immigrants as well as other customers, taking into account their cultural rules and unique situation.
The study was conducted in the framework of the PhD Neuro-Innovation PhD program, which is funded by the European Union Research and Innovation Program of the University of East Finland and the European Union.
Source:
Magazine report:
Berg, A., et al. (2025) Obstacles for access to care and support services for elderly immigrants and immigrants with dementia in Finland: prospects for professional social and health care providers. Journal of Intercultural Gerontology. Doi.org/10.1007/s10823-025-09523-2.
