Inclusive dementia care for ethnically diverse families

Purpose of review: With population ageing and global migration, rates of dementia are set to rapidly increase in ethnically diverse populations. This narrative review examines recent evidence on what constitutes culturally appropriate models of care.

Recent findings: Barriers to inclusive care continue to prevail, amplifying dementia disparities in ethnically diverse communities. Cultural models that can address these include ensuring health and aged care staff are culturally competent, language supports are available, and cultural practices are integrated into daily care routines. Fundamentally, systems must be reformed to ensure they meet the needs of diverse end-users. More inclusive and widespread ethno-specific services are needed, and governments need to be mindful of demographic transitions in their populations and plan accordingly to meet future demand. Digital media and new technologies offer promising new ways to deliver culturally appropriate care to ethnically diverse groups, but its full potential is yet to be realised.

Summary: Persistent dementia disparities in ethnically diverse communities can be overcome by operationalising cultural models of care, leveraging the promise of digital media, and systems redesign.