How can we better support the lives of older people with a migration background – with respect for their language, life story and cultural background? And how can we learn from each other across Europe?
Older adults with a migration background tend to have lower incomes, are more often low-literate, less digitally skilled, and face greater health risks. They are also at a higher risk of social isolation.
The European Network on Intercultural Elderly Care (ENIEC) was established in 2007 and is a European association of professionals and volunteers committed to supporting older people with a migration background. Its members are engaged individuals who aim to give a voice to these older people, keep the topic on the societal and political agenda, and actively learn from and with one another.
Inclusive care for a diverse future
Each spring, a three-day annual meeting is held on a relevant and timely theme. In 2025, the meeting was organised in Nijmegen. From 9 to 11 April, sixty members from six countries came together under the theme: Inclusive Care for a Diverse Future: Exploring Technology, Workforce Dynamics and Housing.
Conny van der Aalsvoort, project leader for Diversity and Inclusion at Sterker Ouderenwerk Nijmegen, explains:
“During these meetings, we explore current challenges together. Think of technological innovations such as care robots and ‘smart homes’, communal living as a solution for older people with a migration background, and co-creation in new housing initiatives. Topics like international recruitment and diversity-sensitive training are also discussed.”
Van der Aalsvoort is not doing this alone:
“The programme was developed in cooperation with Stichting De Waalboog, Radboud University, the national expertise centre Pharos and IMEAN. Together, we can make an important contribution to improving care and wellbeing for older migrants.”
First housing community for older people with a Moroccan background
“Older people with a migration background also wish to live independently for as long as possible,” says Yvonne Witter from the knowledge platform ZorgSaamWonen during a workshop. “When that is no longer possible, there is often a need for suitable housing that aligns with their lifestyle. And for care that is both culturally and linguistically sensitive.”
WoonSaem, the knowledge centre for communal living for older migrants, supports them in this.
Persistence pays off. In Utrecht, Attifa (Arabic for affection) offers support and day care to older migrants. Since its founding in 2014, Attifa has aimed to create a residential community in Kanaleneiland. Small-scale. For people with shared backgrounds, culture, norms and values. In March 2024, the first Moroccan housing community in Utrecht was finally opened. It is called Aafia, which means wellbeing. The residents are very enthusiastic about living there.
At Home with Anne – for older migrants
Can technology contribute to the lives of older migrants – even those with early-stage dementia and limited digital skills?
“It can,” says Sevilay Luiken-Dalli of IMEAN Care, “but it takes time. To build good relationships, to do things together, and to empower them.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she introduced ThuismetAnne (‘At Home with Anne’), a tablet with an avatar named Anne. Anne reminds people of appointments, when to take their medication, and helps ensure proper care through remote monitoring.
Her clients, older people with a Turkish and Moroccan background living at home, were familiar to her from the day centre. Gradually, Sevilay noticed that clients started to change—becoming more open and curious about other technologies.
“I feel less lonely with Anne,” says 74-year-old Fatima. “And she reminds me to take a shower and have breakfast.”
Live-in migrant caregivers – an option for elderly care?
Migrant caregivers are individuals who have migrated from one country to another and provide care services, either formally (as paid professionals) or informally (as family members or community carers), to people in need of support, such as older adults, people with disabilities, or those with chronic illnesses. Are migrants living with an older person to provide care a viable option in European countries with ageing populations and limited staff? A care au pair, perhaps?
In the Netherlands and Belgium, this is still a little-known phenomenon. In Germany, estimates suggest between 300,000 and 500,000 care migrants. Other European countries, like Italy, rely on them more extensively.
There are no official statistics on live-in migrants, as this often occurs informally. While the arrangement can offer many benefits for older people, there are also reports of emotional, financial and sexual exploitation of care migrants.
“Is this an option for the future?” asked Carolien Smits from Pharos during her workshop. “And if so, what would be needed?”
There are currently no (ethical) guidelines for agencies regarding training, language, certification, quality standards, supervision, or funding.
Next year: Frankfurt!
The three-day annual meeting has come to an end once again. Conny van der Aalsvoort reflects:
“It was wonderful to exchange experiences and challenges with our ENIEC colleagues from different European countries. The network holds so much knowledge and experience that every meeting feels like a joyful learning event. And that’s not even mentioning the cheerful dance evening that’s always part of our annual programme!”
This year Nijmegen, next year Frankfurt!
