■ In Germany, the topic 'Ethnicity and Age' is a central concomitant of demographic and social change and has become a big challenge for existing structures of community care for elders. In this context, the Kreis Unna implemented a model project, which aimed at informing minority ethnic elders about the German care and welfare system. The project also tried to promote their usage of services and offers for elders in a sustainable way. Within the frame of the project, two information series were held. The first addressed minority ethnic elders and informed them about the German care and welfare system. The second qualified staff in the field of care and work for elders for the special needs of minority ethnic elders. The project was supported and evaluated by the Institute for Gerontology at the University of Dortmund. By viewing the results of the evaluation, it becomes evident that the two information and qualification series proved successful for both groups and, in general, are transferable to other municipalities. However, it also became clear that reducing barriers of access to the German care and welfare system is a very difficult process for both sides. A better usage of institutions and services of community care for elders by minority ethnic elders can only be accomplished by constant measures. © Steinkopff 2005.

Social services for minority ethnic elders Community care for elders Ethnicity and age

evaluation Germany information dissemination demography social change community care minority group human life event Community Networks work health service ethnic group Aged ethnology Government Programs quality of life health program Humans life satisfaction staff Aged, 80 and over university cultural factor social welfare Article organization and management health care utilization life migration government Emigration and Immigration Cultural Characteristics health care system senescence Health Services for the Aged elderly care