“We will never catch up unless we look forward”: A qualitative analysis of barriers to healthcare access faced by racial and ethnic minority older adults in low-income neighborhoods of Chicago

Abstract

Abstract This paper seeks to understand barriers to healthcare access faced by socially vulnerable older adults in Chicago using qualitative analysis. As the U.S. population ages, ease of healthcare access by older adults grows in importance. Yet, current literature lacks an examination of pain points and coping strategies in accessing healthcare, specifically by socially vulnerable older adults. This is especially relevant as virtual telehealth access and transportation options that shape healthcare access evolve rapidly. In this work, we conduct three listening sessions with 40 total participants to understand the lived experiences of Black and Latino older adults living in low-income areas of Chicago. Transcript data was analyzed using qualitative concept and emotion coding to identify vulnerabilities that older patients face in accessing care. This work reveals unique insight on the interfaces between transportation, healthcare, and communication systems used in healthcare access, and provides a recommendation for seeking solutions that prioritize autonomy for older adults by offering physical accessibility and customized technology.