Complementing this background contextual analysis, we report here on the data from the interviews with current and prospective care recipients in regards to their preferences for health and social care services. Several of our older adult participants preferred to be cared for in their home, while being placed in a nursing home was considered the last resort. In terms of the characteristics of a good carer, both immigrant care workers and older adults were in agreement of general characteristics such as patience, compassion, constantly upgrading one’s training, etc. Some of the older persons expressed that some immigrant care workers are better care workers because it is expected in their culture to care for elders. Having competency in Canadian culture was also noted as being of great importance.

Based on the findings, we can tease apart three types of relationships with the old people they care for: a) a ‘professional relationship’ b) ‘friendly relationship’ and c) ‘discriminatory relationship’ in either a positive or negative direction. The quality of the relationship between carers, clients and the quality of care we found to be greatly affected by the language barrier between the care worker and the older person. Older adults felt that it was of utmost importance for care workers to have a minimum of English language proficiency. Given the multicultural make-up of the Canadian population, these language barriers go both ways - not only on the part of care workers but also by clients. A broader contextual factor that greatly influences the quality of relationship and care beyond the issue of the immigration status of the care worker is the general lack of attention to the older adult care sectors in terms of a shortage of staff, supplies and dignity.