[Migration specific transitions and family care-giving]

This qualitative study focuses on care-giving among Russo-German re-settlers. Since the early '90s, Russo-Germans have been increasingly allowed to return to Germany. Up to now, the phenomenon of care-giving in this group was little known. The meaning of family care-giving within this particular group of immigrants can only be understood by investigating the foundations of care, the kind of care given, and the ways of providing care. Using the Grounded Theory method, four data sets of 81 interviews have been conducted and analysed in Russia and Germany. Care-giving among Russo-German re-settlers is part of a system of comprehensive family care and support stemming from a collectivistically oriented family concept. Family care is taken for granted and experienced as a must. On account of their biographic experiences and the experiences of immigration, the caring behaviour of Russo-German re-settlers is not necessarily congruent with the caring behaviour practised in Germany, let alone the caring behaviour of professional carers. This has an impact on the utilization of professional support. In order to provide helpful and meaningful support professional carers have to take into account the whole system of family carers and to avoid the separation of the family.