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

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. 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. 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. Caregivers with a migration background, but not caregivers with a 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.