Migrant caregiving for family members with mild cognitive impairment: an ethnographic study

Abstract

Background: Migrant families caring for family members with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) face considerable socioeconomic burden and isolation. Aim: To examine the cultural needs, beliefs and health seeking behaviours of migrant Turkish family member caregivers. Design: An ethnographic approach was used employing in depth interviews. Methods: Turkish caregivers residing in Melbourne, Australia were purposively sampled. Ten participants undertook face-to-face interviews in Turkish and English, followed by coding, transcription and thematic analysis. Results: Common themes were: (i) characteristics of MCI; (ii) care complicates our lives; (iii) beneficial coping strategies; (iv) adherence to cultural beliefs; (v) an uncertain future; (vi) interfacing with community health providers: need to understand Turkish culture (vii) need for long-term support. Migrant caregivers voiced undergoing considerable stress exacerbated by their cultural obligations. Conclusions: Establishing ethnically appropriate community support groups and advocating for a health workforce tier of representative migrant health care workers is recommended as a new role for community nurses.