Care Experiences of Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Nationwide Survey Study Comparing Caregivers with Migrant and Native Backgrounds

Introduction: Having a migration background might be associated with the care experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia. For example, caregivers with a migration background often face additional challenges in accessing professional care. The aim of this study was to provide insight into differences in care experiences between family caregivers with a native Dutch and a European or a non-European migration background. Methods: Data were used from a large-scale Dutch survey among family caregivers of relatives with dementia. The sample consisted of 170 caregivers with a European migration background, 199 caregivers with a non-European migration background and 4,158 caregivers with a native Dutch background. Linear and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the survey data. The results were adjusted for background characteristics such as sex and age. Results: No differences were found between the two migrant groups and the native Dutch group in the perceived care burden and the caregiving intensity. Family caregivers with a European migration background were less likely to feel prepared for future changes in the dementia trajectory of their relative with dementia than caregivers with a native Dutch background. In addition, caregivers with a European migration background gave a lower score for their appreciation of the overall supply of care and support. Discussion: Caregivers with a European migration background, but not caregivers with a non-European migration background, were less likely to feel prepared for future changes than caregivers with a native Dutch background. In addition, they had lower appreciation for the overall supply of care and support. Offering a good supply of professional care and support, tailored to the individual situation and support needs, is important for caregivers in general, and those with a European migration background in particular.