Women, Work and Care of the Elderly

First published in 1999, this book is based on social policy research, taking a particular view of the nature of social policy, one that focuses on the direct impact of all public policies on the welfare of citizens and which defines policy as inclusive of all areas of policy development and implementation. The view of policy which clients and customers provide is thus a significant dimension of social policy. The research is one of the few studies which focuses specifically on carers who are also in the paid work force and want to remain in paid work and to fulfil their caring responsibilities. An overriding concern of the research is how workplaces, government policy and community attitudes can be changed to foster a better and more supportive environment for workers who are caring. The research points to the need to change workplace policies and organisational cultures to confer legitimacy on the felt obligation and responsibility to care for older relatives. The responsibility of employers are explored and the knowledge, competencies and time management skills demonstrated in unpaid caring work are found to match the 'skill get' generally required of a modern manager, thereby offering important lessons for employer and employee alike.