The influence of religion on the care experiences of family carers of older migrants with dementia in Belgian cities

ABSTRACT

The number of older migrants with dementia in Western European cities is growing, and so is the share of their family caregivers. This study explores the influence of religion on the caregiving experiences of family caregivers responsible for older labour migrants residing in Belgian cities. In-depth interviews were conducted with 34 family caregivers of older migrants of Moroccan, Turkish, and Italian descent with dementia. Our findings underscore the significance of religion in four key dimensions: (i) as a co-definer of the meaning of dementia, (ii) as a way to deal with dementia and care burden, (iii) as an influencer of family care motives, and (iv) that more religious sensitivity is needed in professional dementia care, especially for Muslims. The discussion advocates for recognising religion as an integral aspect of the multifaceted identity of older migrants. Incorporating religious sensitivity offers a promising pathway toward more comprehensive intersectional-person-centred dementia care.

KEYWORDS:

• Religious sensitivity
• dementia care
• older migrants
• family care

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the family caregivers to share their rich experiences with us.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study is part of a larger research project, Diverse Elderly Care, funded by European Regional Development Fund Brussels (ERDF Brussels).