International migrations and care provisions for elderly people left behind. The cases of the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Issue 5 (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vianello, Francesca Alice
• Is Part Of: European journal of social work. Volume 19:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 779
• Page End: 794
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Republic of Moldova -- Romania -- migration -- care -- older people -- family relationships; Repubblica di Moldavia -- Romania -- migrazione -- cura -- anziani -- relazioni familiari; Social service -- Europe -- Periodicals; Social service -- Vocational guidance -- Europe -- Periodicals; 361.3209405
• DOI: 10.1080/13691457.2015.1085367
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-1457

Abstract

Abstract : International migrations are posing numerous challenges to care systems in both sending and receiving countries. Based on a multi-method research conducted between 2011 and 2013, this article looks at how the care provisions for elderly people are rearranged in two Eastern European countries affected by the care drain phenomenon (the Republic of Moldova and Romania). The author charts and compares how transnational families, but also the other facets of the care diamond, such as the public sector, the market and the not-for-profit sector, provide care to elderly people left to cope at home alone because their close relatives have migrated. The main findings of the article are that transnational families are the principal welfare provider for elderly people left behind, while there is a serious delay in the adoption of specific policies for the elderly.