"They don't let you die, but they don't let you live comfortably": Understanding emergency healthcare challenges from the perspectives of older Indian migrants in Melbourne, Australia.
Australasian emergency care · 2026-08-25 · Qualitative study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Migrant populations are known to experience substantial barriers when accessing emergency healthcare and are often observed to rely heavily on emergency services as they age. Despite the rapid growth of the older Indian community within Australia's ageing population, the challenges they face in navigating emergency care remain underexplored. This study explored emergency healthcare challenges from the perspectives of older Indian migrants in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study including semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 55 participants in Melbourne, Australia, comprising 23 permanent and 33 temporary migrants. Data were analysed thematically through an inductive-deductive approach informed by constructivist and symbolic interactionist principles. RESULTS: Participants identified challenges related to prolonged waiting times, limited knowledge of triage and ambulance pathways, differing understandings of what constitutes an emergency, and expectations of timely symptom relief. For temporary migrants, cost concerns and dependence on adult children further complicated decisions about emergency care. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that barriers to emergency healthcare among migrants are multifaceted and shaped by structural conditions, knowledge gaps and access constraints. Addressing these challenges requires policy, healthcare and community-based responses to support more equitable emergency care for older migrants in Australia.
Tags
Equity & disparities · Older adults · Patient experience · Urban · Socially vulnerable groups