Examining the role of ımmigrant carers in care for older people at home: The case of İstanbul

Abstract

In the modern period, the prevalence of chronic diseases has increased among old people due to the extended lifespans. Accordingly, older people who need for continuous care support has received much more focus. This study examines the experiences of immigrant female carers who are employed in home-based long-term older people care. Specifically, this study evaluates immigrant carers’ daily life practices and relationships with older people. In addition, this study explores the scope of the immigrant carer model as an alternative to caring for older people in traditional and institutional care models. In the study, a qualitative case study has been used. Care takers who immigrant Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been interviewed between 15 September and 15 October 2018. Snowball sampling method has been used to select interviewees from the abovementioned countries. All of the participants consist of women. The data has been analyzed in categorical content. The results show that a strong emotional bond has developed between immigrant caregivers and elderly people receiving care. At the same time, financial concerns were found to be the main factors contributing to the cares’ motivation. In this respect, it could be said that this model bears traces in both aspects of home-based older people care. This model could actually be considered to be an intermediate (buffer) mechanism that holds the characteristics of both traditional and modern care together.