Active Self-Help

(Inter-)active Self-Help for Turkish Family Caregivers of People with Dementia

Project duration: 01/10/2017 - 30/09/2019

Principal investigator: Prof. Dr. Hürrem Tezcan-Güntekin

Project staff: Ilknur Özer-Erdogdu

Partners:

  • Sufi Pflegedienst Bielefeld
  • Alzheimer Gesellschaft Bielefeld e.V.

Abstract:
The number of people from minorities who suffer from dementia is steadily increasing as a result of demographic change. At the same time, relatives of people from minorities who need care receive little professional support with regard to care and self-help services aimed at their relief. The aim is to reduce the increased burden on caregiving relatives of people with dementia through an innovative self-help approach and to improve their quality of life. At the same time, this counteracts the isolation and social exclusion that can accompany the care of a dementia sufferer.

The participants of the study are to exchange information via an instant messaging service and arrange for joint activities. Self-help is thus made more flexible, making it easier for caregiving relatives to participate. A qualitative research approach is used to investigate how the needs of relatives of Turkish descent develop, and how this form of self-help is perceived by those affected.

Funding: Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft e.V., Selbsthilfe Demenz (German Alzheimer´s Society)

Keywords: Dementia, Migration, Self-Help, Family Caregiver, Minorities