Barriers to Healthcare for Elderly Immigrants in Developed Countries

Abstract

Aging immigrants comprise a growing older population, especially in Developed countries. There is a need for better access to healthcare services due to the rise in older immigrants. This literature review looks at the problems experienced by elderly immigrants and highlights nurses' role in resolving these barriers. The study is a literature review containing 25 articles published between 2013 and 2023, selected from bibliographic databases (CINAHL), ProQuest, SpringerLink, and non-academic online search engines, such as Google Scholar and Manual Search. The chosen articles were all subjected to the content analysis method. The findings revealed four significant categories, communication, knowledge and healthcare systems, cultural differences, and economic and social factors as barriers to healthcare access for elderly immigrants. The study also demonstrates nursing roles such as; inclusive healthcare and social support, in trying to solve this problem. Leininger's Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality was used in this study since it provides guidelines for nurses in providing culturally congruent healthcare to elderly immigrants. Therefore, the healthcare system must adapt to the medical needs of older immigrants living in Developed countries.