Asian elders’ knowledge and future use of community social and health services

Although there is evidence to suggest that black people are disadvantaged in terms of health, underuse of community services by black elders has also been widely documented. The views of Asian, Afro‐Caribbean and white elders on a wide range of issues associated with community care were studied as part of a larger research project in Central Birmingham. Analysis is still in progress and the focus here is on one selected theme: the knowledge and potential use of social and health services amongst Asian and white elders. The data show that although a large number of Asians had not heard of these services, once informed of their existence, many exhibited a preparedness to make use of them, should the need arise.