The Missing Link in the Chain:Perspectives from the Grassroots Charity Sector on Supporting Wellbeing in Older Migrants

As the migrant workers of the 1960s and 1970s age in place, many countries are facing caring for increasing numbers of older migrants, many of whom have complex health and social care needs. By applying a qualitative case study approach, of a grassroots disability resource centre that works with older migrants, this paper critically explores the social policy debates that are focused on older migrants in the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME)community. A number of themes have emerged, including the impact of changing family structure, difficulties with accessing services and increased isolation. In addition, there are also examples of older migrants actively engaged in building communities and supporting others, defying the stereotypes of vulnerable older migrants being a burden on the state. This paper argues for politicians and social policy makers to refocus on the new challenges that are emerging in the older migrants of the BME community