Warunki pracy osób świadczących usługi opieki domowej nad osobami starszymi w świetle systemu opieki długoterminowej w Polsce
Working Conditions of Home Care Providers for the Elderly in Light of the Long-Term Care System in Poland

Summary/Abstract: Objectives: The manuscript aims to diagnose the working conditions of paid home care providers for the elderly in the light of the long-term care system in Poland. Material and methods: The study, conducted as part of the PERHOUSE project, involved: desk research, 10 individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) with social partners and stakeholders at the national level, and focus group interviews (FGIs) with 17 individuals providing paid personal home care services for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and/or children, as well as non-care (indirect care) services such as housekeeping, cleaning, cooking, and gardening. Results: Working conditions for home care providers in Poland are precarious and challenging. The analysis covered six dimensions: income, job security, social security, working time, autonomy at work, and collective interest representation. It revealed disparities within the sector based on employment registration (employment contract, contract of mandate, or unregistered work), care setting (health care or social assistance), scope of assigned duties (direct or indirect care), and the situation or characteristics of workers (e.g., women, migrants). Conclusions: The working conditions of home care providers in Poland remain insufficiently addressed at the national level. Given the limited scope of this analysis, further research across various job settings should be intensified and continued, particularly in light of the ongoing transition from institutional to community-based long-term care.

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