Asian carers' perceptions of care assessment and support in the community

Within a study of the use of carer assessment forms, Asian carers were given the opportunity to describe and comment on their perceptions and experiences of community care assessment and support. Although their confidence in community care workers was not exclusively related to ethnicity, they relied a great deal on semi-informal contacts with minority ethnic workers through their own local communities. The concept of ‘friendship’ with professionals was important to many Asian carers. In common with the findings of other carer studies, many Asian carers were uncertain about their experience of formal assessment and unclear about their entitlements and availability of community care support. ‘Outreach’ contact and ‘befriending’ support was greatly appreciated. Day-care and sitting support were seen as a priority for formal services. Apart from contact with general practitioners, there was limited awareness or experience of community health-care support. Most of these Asian carers were involved with carer support groups. They spoke of the benefits in terms of social interaction and mutual support, counteracting feelings of isolation, and access to information and formal support.