Recommended Vs. Reported Working Conditions & Current Satisfaction Levels among Migrant Caregivers in Israel

Abstract

Living and working conditions of 111 migrant live-in homecare workers caring for older care recipients in Israel were assessed using structured face-to-face interviews. Questions pertained to the categories of living conditions, food-related arrangements, and work conditions and benefits; the most important, most satisfactory, and least satisfactory items in these categories; as well as ratings of satisfaction in these areas. Problematic areas included resting days, hours worked per day, and ability to leave during the day. Mean satisfaction ratings were high (between a large to a very large extent) and were similar with respect to living conditions, food-related arrangements, and work conditions and benefits. Reported satisfaction with salary was significantly lower (between a moderate to a large extent). Items associated with reported satisfaction levels revealed the importance of comfort and control. The data indicate that discrepancies remain between recommended and actual working conditions for migrant live-in homecare workers in Israel.