Relational identities: how service co- design can help improve the minority experience and becoming ourselves

Abstract

Research shows that conventional care for older immigrants across the UK remains inaccessible. Cultural and system ensued barriers impact on self-confidence and personal agency. Often evading dealing with the state altogether, this user group rely heavily on word of mouth and informal family care. This significant lack of personal agency is shown to negatively impact on the construction of the ‘self’. In answer to this impending social challenge, this preliminary paper explores how co-design methods can help strengthen the citizen-state relationship and cultivate community engagement. Through a review of literature and expert interviews, the study aims to shed light on the service experience of non-native peoples and uncover some of the service and system challenges that impact on the lives of this often-overlooked group. This forms part of a larger study that aims to improve social care services and the overall system of care for elderly immigrants in the UK.