Owning Org:
Centres of Excellence for Womens Health (CEWH)
Women and Health Care Reform
Cross Centre Initiatives
Explores the nature of caring in Canada, and examines reseach on women, home care and unpaid caregiving. Identifies the social conditions under which caregiving is undertaken. Also examines the experiences of women who care.
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references and index. --- Review, May 2004: The Canadian health care system is undergoing steady change, but one thing that remains constant is the key role that women play in providing care. Women are estimated to comprise nearly 80% of both the paid and unpaid care workers in this country.
Yet, their numbers do not coincide with their influence. Government reforms such as the introduction of market systems in health care may result in some cost efficiencies, but not necessarily better working conditions for those who care, much less better care for those who need it. Similarly, the increasing transfer of patients into community care may mean that individuals are able to convalesce in more familiar surroundings and with the people they love. But the added burden on family members - usually women - may mean forgone paid work, not to mention changes in personal relationships between those who care and those who are cared for and about.
