You have full access to this open access article. The aging population in Europe is increasing, with growing ethnic diversity among older individuals due to migration. However, research often overlooks the heterogeneity among older people, especially non-European migrants.
This study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives of family caregivers in the context of formal and informal care and their preferences regarding the place of care for older family members with migrant backgrounds, particularly the Pakistani Ahmadiyya community in Norway. Eighteen semi-structured individual interviews and two group interviews were conducted in Urdu and English with nineteen female family caregivers of older relatives, ages 25—62, residing in Norway.
Older migrants, especially those aged 65 and above, are becoming more prominent in various countries, presenting specific healthcare needs Northwood et al. This policy encourages older adults to live independently in their own homes, or with family Cutchin , receiving necessary care in a familiar environment rather than an institutionalized setting Sampaio and Walsh Thus, age-friendly environments, encompassing physical and social aspects, are increasingly recognized as essential to meet the needs of the aging population Lewis and Buffel Caregivers often experience ambivalent feelings towards care receivers Pillemer et al.
Studies indicate that relatively few older people with migrant backgrounds in Europe reside in long-term care facilities, and they tend to have higher expectations regarding family care Footnote 1 from children Horn ; Sagbakken et al.
Such expectations often arise due to cultural norms from the place of origin Sun , lack of access to formal care, limited language skills and poor health literacy among older migrants and their family caregivers Debesay et al. Moreover, the lack of trust in formal care creates a distance between health personnel and family caregivers, hindering communication and collaboration, and often leading to lower utilization of healthcare services as family caregivers may hesitate to express their needs Ahmad et al.
