An understanding of ‘strengths’ and ‘strengths based approach’ within older people from ethnic minorities in the UK. A qualitative systematic review

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background The strengths-based approach (SBP) shifts the focus away from a deficits approach to explore people’s potential to achieve personal outcomes, wellbeing, and promotes independence through collaborative conversations. Unfortunately, little evidence exists on how strengths-based practice relates to older people from black and minority ethnic communities. This qualitative systematic review aimed to explore how strengths and assets in the lives of older people from minority ethnic communities mapped against core elements of SBP in social care, and identify implications for practice. Method A systematic search and review of the literature was conducted, with the qualitative studies appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). An abductive approach was adopted to the data extraction and synthesis. Results None of the studies referred to SBP in relation to older people from minority ethnic communities. The review tended to emphasis factors which negatively influenced people’s wellbeing rather than strengths per se. but were included in order to recognise the difficulties which people face, and the structural nature of these is a core aspect of SBP. Important factors shared by older people within black and minority ethnic communities in relation to their wellbeing, had similarities with that of the general population including dignity, self-respect, security, and social connection, with these often built on a personal, familial and community strengths. A common aspect across many ethnic minority communities was the importance of faith and religion, and the need to have a valued role. A further pertinent finding was a lack of culturally appropriate statutory services that meet the needs of older people. Conclusions The principles of SBP will remain a focus for social care services through their correlation to values of practitioners, and the recognition that state funded services will not be able to meet increasing demands due to ageing populations with multiple health and care needs. Twinned with the increasing proportion of older people in the UK from black and minority ethnic communities, this means that a better understanding of what contributes to their wellbeing will be crucial if services are to build on their strengths and provide culturally appropriate support.
Funding Information
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR200165)

This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit: