Objective:

To describe the process of life experiences of migrants who become caregivers of elderly people in situations of dependency and to know their opinion about health care.

Design:

Phenomenological qualitative research based on the methodology of grounded theory. Carried out in the Málaga-Guadalhorce health district, during 2017 and 2018. Recruitment was carried out by nurses from families in the Health Centers and through a database of home care programs, from seven health centers. 17 in-depth interviews were carried out with migrant caregivers, who have been caring for a year or more, dependent people, until the saturation of the information.

Results:

Three phases have been described in this study. In the initial stage the person feels the need for change and motivation to come; second stage of job search in our country and assume new activities; third stage of coping strategy and uncertainty for future expectations. They show improvements in health in relation to: reduced medical consultation time, it is difficult to consult with specialists, lack of regularity in home doctor visits and discrimination suffered by being a migrant.

Conclusion:

Migrants bring experience in caring for their different cultures that must be explored. The positive reinforcement of employers, salaries and free time have been conditions for improving job satisfaction and social support. What they value most in the health service are home visits for positive reinforcement, at the same time they complain that they do not receive all they need. Professionals should make interventions at each stage to facilitate the adoption of this role.

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