Perspectives of Moroccan informal caregivers and occupational therapists informing cultural adaptation of Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia

Introduction: Families of Moroccan descent in the Netherlands face cultural and systemic barriers in accessing dementia care, reflecting broader patterns across ethnic minorities in Europe. This study explored how informal caregivers of Moroccan descent and occupational therapists perceive dementia care needs, and how their perspectives may inform adaptations to the Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia (COTiD) programme to promote more equitable, inclusive dementia care. Method: Qualitative data were collected through five semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers and four focus groups involving seven COTiD-trained occupational therapists and six occupational therapists of Moroccan descent. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: Three key themes were identified: Families seek optimal dementia care; Families act as managers and decision-makers; and Collaborating through trust and understanding. Cultural agility—the ability to adapt in real time to families’ changing needs, grounded in humility, self-reflection, and mutual learning—emerged as a potentially core professional skill. Conclusion: Integrating caregivers’ and occupational therapists’ perspectives highlights cultural agility as central to culturally responsive occupational therapy for Moroccan families. Cultural agility emphasises therapists’ responsiveness to families’ needs and relational dynamics in everyday practice. These insights can inform adaptations of COTiD and support occupational therapists in providing equitable and inclusive dementia care.