This article focuses on cognitive impairment and dementia in the context of transnational migration. Based on data from focus group discussions and interviews, we conclude that to adjust to the needs of care within ethnic-minority communities, it is important to consider not only the availability of household and kin members but also the present understanding of obligation and reciprocity underlying the perception of care. Another important issue to realize is that caregivers, women in particular, might feel obliged to conform to a traditional caregiver role, but without the support from a wider extended family, and in the context of other pressing roles and duties. Consequently, health personnel should be wary of stereotyping and generalizing groups through “othering” ideologies and rather try to explore, understand, and adjust to the present and often fluctuating set of needs, as well as be aware of how and by whom these needs are articulated. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.

Dementia culture aging immigrants Migrants older people minorities health care Cultural competence Transcultural Scandinavia qualitative

Caregivers Norway Dementia cognitive defect Cognitive Dysfunction Stereotyping human middle aged health service Aged Cultural Competency ethnology cultural competence procedures Health Services Needs and Demand interview Humans psychology Interviews as Topic male female Aged, 80 and over very elderly organization and management migration Emigration and Immigration Delivery of Health Care caregiver health care delivery