Dementia care-sharing and migration: An intersectional exploration of family carers' experiences

Menal Ahmad, Jennifer van den Broeke, Sawitri Saharso, Evelien H. Tonkens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background and objectives
Previous studies show that persons with a migration background (PwM) caring for a family member with dementia often experience access barriers to formal care services, and that family carers often perform the lion's share of care. Yet research offering a detailed account on their experiences of dementia care-sharing is sparse. In this paper, we respond to this knowledge gap by exploring how different social categories impact on practices of care-sharing in our participants and their families.

Research design and methods
A qualitative study of six PwM who provide care for a family member with dementia was conducted through two methods: semi-structured, life-story interviews followed by “shadowing” our participants in their daily lives. We were guided by intersectionality as an analytical lens in exploring the multifaceted experiences of care-sharing.

Findings
Throughout our analysis, intersections of migration history and social class stood out the most. We elucidate how they influence the attainment of necessary skills to organize and share care-tasks as well as perceptions of “good care.” Additionally, our findings illustrate how one's position within the family, the presence or absence of supportive social networks, religion, gendered care norms, and relationship to the care-recipient are relevant to experiences of care-sharing.

Implications
Rather than overemphasizing ethnicity and culture, practice and policy should take into account that intersections of various social categories affect care-sharing and the type of support that is (or is not) organized.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Aging Studies
Volume60
Early online date21 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Care-sharing
  • Dementia
  • Family care
  • Intersectionality
  • Migration

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