Europe’s Care Regimes and the Role of Migrant Care Workers Within Them

Alice Anderson

doi:10.1007/s12062-012-9063-y

Abstract

This paper is an examination of the recent restructuring and subsequent convergence of European long-term care models. This paper also aims to highlight the increased role of migrant care workers and the need for great social and governmental recognition for all care providers. The provision of long term care is complex, divided between state, market and family providers; the state alone could not and does not act as the sole provider of care (Banks 1998). The extent to which different sectors are relied upon is largely dependent on the ideology of the country's welfare state (Timonen and Doyle 2007).

Highlights

This paper is an examination of the recent restructuring and subsequent convergence of European long-term care models
This paper aims to explore the relationship between long-term care regimes and the role of migrant care workers within the European context
This paper explores to what extent the employment of migrant workers within both the formal and unregulated sectors of care provision is a way to meet the growing need for carers, manager the cost of care provision and help potential carers to match work and care responsibilities

Summary

A Convergence of European Care Systems

By looking at the past and present provision of care in some of the old European countries (Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy) it is possible to explore how different countries and their welfare models are responding to the demands of the demographic shift. The provision of long term care is complex, divided between state, market and family providers; nowhere can or does the state alone act as the sole provider of care (Banks 1998). The extent to which different sectors are relied upon is largely dependent on the ideology of the country’s

EUROFAMCARE 2007

Findings

Conclusion