You’ve got to have faith in the carers that are looking after you: Investigation into the care experiences of older Māori in aged residential care, community and Whānau settings in New Zealand

Purpose

Despite having high health needs, older Māori, the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand, have lower service utilisation of aged residential care (ARC) services. This study aimed to examine the role of clinical healthcare professionals and the influence that whānau have, which may impede or facilitate older Māori utilisation of ARC, through the reported experiences of older Māori.

Methods

This study utilised a Kaupapa Māori research methodology as a critical lens to frame qualitative research methods. Interview data were collected from interviews with older Māori (n = 30) and whānau members (n = 18). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Main findings

Three themes and associated subthemes were identified and aligned with the context of where older Māori receive care: ARC (Knowledge and awareness of tikanga-informed care practice, Interpersonal care and Trusting relationships with carers); Community-based services (Transitions and communication, Medication and management and Community care provision); and Whānau care settings (Value of whānau care and Carer burden and preserving whānau relationships).

Principal conclusions

Illuminating older Māori and whānau perspectives of care experiences is essential for understanding the impact of culture in clinical interactions and ARC service delivery. Advancing health equity through cultural safety education programs and building a culturally diverse health workforce is crucial to improving existing and future ARC service delivery.