Diversity in hospice, palliative and elderly hospice care
German migration history has seen many phases of immigration for various reasons and from different countries. Berlin's population is becoming increasingly diverse: the proportion of residents with international roots now stands at around 41 percent, or over 1.5 million inhabitants, representing more than 190 nations and speaking over 100 languages.
Few population groups in the city are growing as rapidly as that of older migrants – this is also due to the fact that many of these women and men came to Germany as so-called "guest workers" in the 1960s. In recent years, the number of seriously ill people with a refugee background has also increased.
And it's not just the number of elderly people with an international background that has increased; the number of seriously ill and care-intensive children and young people in families with a migration background is also rising.
For many, navigating the German social, health, and care system presents significant challenges.
Despite the high proportion of people with a migration background in Berlin, palliative care is used significantly less by this group. Therefore, diversity- and culturally sensitive services are crucial. Palliative care for people with a migration history in Berlin is essential because this group is structurally underserved and faces specific challenges. This requires overcoming barriers to access (language skills, gaps in knowledge) and considering cultural and spiritual needs (rites, the role of the extended family). Furthermore, diversity- and culturally sensitive care mitigates the psychosocial burden of status loss and the emotionally difficult questions of identity and belonging at the end of life.
Contact person and specialist for diversity-sensitive hospice and palliative care in Berlin:
Jala El Jazairi | Tel.: +49 30 422 65 885 | Email: ikoe@hospiz-aktuell.de