Family members experience of help seeking when a loved one of African Caribbean heritage experiences memory loss. A reflexive thematic analysis

Brown, Melissa ORCID: 0009-0002-5454-5164 (2025). Family members experience of help seeking when a loved one of African Caribbean heritage experiences memory loss. A reflexive thematic analysis. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Introduction: African-Caribbean adults have a higher prevalence and incidence rate of attracting dementia compared to their white counterparts. Barriers to seeking help for dementia are well researched in ethnic minorities, but this is often presented under one homogenous group suggesting parity in reasons for not accessing services. Given the risk to this community, there is a relative paucity with a specific focus on the African-Caribbean community. The aim of this study was to consider family experiences of help seeking when a loved one of African-Caribbean heritage experiences memory loss and what the barriers are to accessing professional services.
Method: Fourteen participants were recruited from community settings and invited to participate in a semi-structured interview either face to face or online. Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, interviews were transcribed and coded by the author with final analysis resulting in five themes.
Results: Five themes were generated from the data: ‘The Perception about the Windrush Generation’ considered the impact of migration and how this shaped attitudes to help-seeking. ‘Lack of cultural acknowledgement of dementia’, ‘Stigma and Shame’, ‘Keeping it in the family’ and ‘Racism & Mistrust of services’.
Conclusions: African-Caribbean communities are at a higher risk of attracting a dementia diagnosis but owing to historical experiences of racism and mistreatment, are less likely to approach professional services for help. Fear of cultural and societal stigmatisation surrounding dementia diagnosis, contributed to attitudes of help seeking and as a form of protection, families chose to provide care to their loved one at home.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

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