Training for migrant live-in care workers in Austria: results from an online survey

Abstract

Abstract Background In Austria, almost 60.000 migrant “24-hour” live-in caregivers work in two- or four-week shifts, travelling between Austria and their countries of origin (mostly Romania, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary and more) to care for frail older people at home. As opposed to other social and healthcare professions, live-in care workers do not require any formal training at all to be able to work in Austria. Methods With the aim of gaining an in-depth insight into the working conditions of live-in caregivers and with the aim of recording their problems and needs, an online survey including 40 questions was conducted from 15 July to 15 September 2023 in four languages (Slovak, Romanian, Bulgarian and German). The study is part of the MigraCare project which focuses on improving working and living conditions for migrant live in care workers. Results Results show that many live-in caregivers are not fully aware of their job profile: what are nursing and medical tasks they are only allowed to do when delegated by professional healthcare staff? Most respondents have to take on tasks that are outside their job profile. Many state that it is difficult to care for people with dementia. In addition, some caregivers report physical and psychological violence and sexual harassment. Most wish for training possibilities regarding topics like dementia, communication with client and family, legal framework regarding their job in the long-term care sector and others. Conclusions Live-in care workers wish for continuous education activities and for a better relationship with the family relatives and the care recipient. Based on the results of the survey short multilingual training videos have been developed easily accessible on a video platform for live-in care workers. Also, a connection to community nurses has been established in order to improve communication between care recipient, family members and live-in care workers. Key messages • Results from an online survey show that live-in care workers face challenges at work which are partly due to an unclear job profile as well as communication problems with the care recipient. • Results of an online survey show that live-in care workers wish for education and training opportunities (mother tongues) in the field of dementia care, communication with family or legal framework.