Enhancing care for older migrants: A diversity-sensitive approach
Caring for older people with a migrant background presents unique challenges, including language and communication barriers, cultural differences, family roles, and migration dynamics. Health and social care professionals must provide appropriate care while respecting diversity and understanding the specific needs of each individual.
To address these challenges, the Erasmus+ DI.S.C.O.P.M.B. project has developed a dedicated e-learning course, equipping professionals with the tools necessary to offer diversity-sensitive care.
The course aims to develop specific skills to tackle these issues, enhancing the quality of care through an intercultural approach that considers differences in communication styles, family roles, gender, and biases. A key aspect of the course is self-reflection on one’s own cultural background and the impact of migratory flows on care provision, fostering greater awareness and mutual understanding. Additionally, storytelling through video testimonies helps to promote empathy and the sharing of personal experiences, enriching the care process.
The course also encourages reflection on stereotypes and their negative impact on care quality, fostering a shift in attitudes towards vulnerable groups. Particular emphasis is placed on improving access to services and developing communication skills, which are crucial not only for physical care but also for relational care—an equally vital aspect of supporting older people with a migrant background and their families.
The e-course launch event, held on 25 February in Bologna, featured several key speakers. Jonathan Mastellari from the IAM Association introduced the topic of intersectionality in ageing, while Marco Canevelli from Sapienza University of Rome, ISS, and Karolinska Institutet discussed the IMMIDEM project, which explores dementia in elderly migrant populations. Finally, Caterina Rompianesi and Giusy Trogu, Project Managers at ANS, presented the DI.S.C.O.P.M.B. project and the e-learning course, tested and validated across partner countries.
This course and project offer practitioners the opportunity to enhance their professional skills, equipping them with practical and theoretical tools to navigate daily challenges. By doing so, they can improve care quality and promote an inclusive, respectful approach to diversity.
To learn more about the project, please visit our website: www.diversitysensitivecare.eu or follow us on social media using #DIVERSITYSENSITIVECARE and #DISCOP.
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