June 2, several ENIEC members participated in the event “Towards Inclusive Care: A Policy Dialogue on Diversity-Sensitive Approaches for Older Migrants”, held at the European Parliament at the invitation of MEP Idoia Mendia from Spain.
The event marked the presentation of the final results of the DI.S.C.O.P.M.B. project (Diversity-Sensitive Care for Older People with a Migrant Background), a European collaboration between universities and non-profit organisations from Sweden, Austria, Italy, Belgium, and Finland. The project focuses on strengthening person-centred, diversity-sensitive care for older people with a migrant background, and on equipping future care professionals with the necessary skills to ensure no one is left behind.
ENIEC members such as Miina Inkilä (JADE activity centre, Finland), Hakki Demirkapu (VUB, Belgium), and Olivia Vanmechelen (Kenniscentrum Welzijn, Wonen, Zorg, Brussels) were actively contributing to the dialogue and sharing their valuable insights.
Their involvement helped raise awareness of the importance of inclusive care that respects individual life stories and cultural backgrounds, builds trust through open and respectful communication, and reaches out proactively to older migrants. The discussions also highlighted the need for professional training, proper communication tools like interpreters and cultural mediators, and the investment of time and resources to make inclusive care a reality.
