Persons With Dementia From a Migration Background and Informal Caregivers Prioritizing Their Aging-in-Place Care Preferences: A Mixed Methods Study

OBJECTIVES: Aging-in-place is a global health policy trend raising many concerns about adequate care services for persons with dementia in the community. As persons with a migration background have higher dementia prevalences than controls, care services may also need adjustment to enable inclusive aging-in-place. This study aims to prioritize AIP care components and identify care service preferences by persons with dementia from a migration background and their informal caregivers.

METHODS: Seven mixed focus groups included persons with dementie (n=20) and informal caregivers (n=15). Participants prioritized seven care components (in-home care, assistance with household tasks and administration, social activities, emotional support, information about dementia, navigating the healthcare system and home adaptations) and suggested care services using a think aloud approach. Ranking between the persons with dementia and informal caregivers was compared using a Mann-Whiney U test. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using deductive and inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Preliminary results show that persons with a migration background and dementia prioritized care components social activities, assistance with household tasks and administration, and in-home care, while informal caregivers prioritized care components information about dementia, emotional support and help with navigating the healthcare system.

CONCLUSIONS: While Informal caregivers and persons with dementia have different priorities of care, both care components are needed to enable aging in place. Care providers can use this information to prioritize care packages in the communities and enhance inclusivity of AIP care services.