Dementia and migration: culturally sensitive healthcare services and projects in Germany

Abstract

Abstract Background There are approximately 96,500 people with a migration background (PwM) with dementia in Germany. They and their families face not only dementia-related challenges but also the challenge of having little knowledge about the healthcare system and its services and thus more difficulty in accessing support. Germany’s national dementia strategy recognises these individuals as a risk group and thus aims to expand the provision of culturally sensitive information and healthcare services. Objective To determine the amount of culturally sensitive information and healthcare services as well as projects on dementia and migration. Method With a scoping review the PsycInfo, PsycArticles and Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection databases, Google Search, the network map (Netzwerkkarte on the website www.demenz-und-migration.de) and the websites of various research funding bodies were used to find culturally sensitive information and healthcare services as well as current projects on dementia and migration. Results Listed are 45 care services as well as 3 additional projects that deal with dementia and migration at the local level. The geographical distribution of the offers shows that most of the services can be found in federal states where most PwM with dementia live. Discussion It is necessary to provide information and healthcare services in all regions and to adapt them to PwM. Different aspects and culturally sensitive measures are important when informing PwM with dementia, as such information can enable these individuals to access the healthcare system and help to provide them with care. It is important to bring together relevant stakeholders to provide access and services that improve the situation of PwM with dementia and their families.