“Honour thy father and thy mother”: the meaning of integrating migrant live-in caregivers for elderly in the Haredi society - challenges and barriers to culturally-sensitive interventions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose This study seeks to examine the complexities of integrating migrant live-in caregivers for elderly in the Haredi society from the lens of elderly’s family members. The main research questions were – what is the meaning of integrating migrant live-in caregivers for elderly in the Haredi society, and what are the implications of these meanings for developing policies and interventions? Materials and Methods This phenomenological study included 15 adult family members of elderly people from the Haredi society who receive around-the-clock homecare from migrant caregivers. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results Three themes emerged from the interviews: The motives of family members to become the prime caregivers for their parents; The encounter between the values of the Haredi family and migrant live-in caregivers; The commandment to honour one’s parents, and whether the integration of a migrant caregiver is implementing this commandment. Conclusions and Implications Results shed light on family members’ attitudes, perceptions and interactions in a phenomenon not yet explored. The importance of these results is highlighted considering the potential conflict between the Haredi society as a faith-based community and migrant live-in caregivers. The results could help develop a culturally-sensitive social policy for faith-based societies.