Employment in Long-term Care in Poland
The aim of this report is to provide an insight into the long-term care (LTC) labor market. The LTC system in Poland is still being formed and the institution is being confronted with a growing need for care due to dynamic population ageing. On the one hand, the development of employment is conditioned by the supply of care institutions that are formulating specific requirements from people employed in care work, which is leading to the development of new paths of education in nursing and care jobs. On the other hand, employment in LTC is developing under the influence of manifested care needs. These are growing as a result of demographic changes, as well as the growing institutionalization of care caused by changes in the labor market and family structure. The high demand for care services is not being satisfied by institutions. Access is thus strictly rationed. In spite of the introduction of limitations, there are more and more care and nursing services. Demand is growing both for highly qualified jobs (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists), as well as care services that do not require such high medical qualifications.
The report presents past and future trends in the development of LTC employment. Authors collected scattered statistical information, estimated lacking data, and projected future growth in the number of employed in care services. Performed analysis includes employment in the health and social sector, and across various types of care. Projections of the demand for care and supply of the LTC workforce are based on the demographic prognosis of the population size and changes in the age structure, taking into account different scenarios for demographic development. Results show the growing gap between demand and supply in the LTC employment. The policy towards aging in Poland must take up the challenge of growing care needs, family changes, and lower opportunities for provision of informal care.
The report was prepared by prof. Stanisława Golinowska, dr. Ewa Kocot, and dr. Agnieszka Sowa within a research project entitled NEUJOBS, which has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no. 266833.
