Foreign nursing workers

Caring for the elderly and people with disabilities is a complex and significant task, posing a personal, physical and mental challenge to everyone involved. As the world’s population, and especially in Israel, ages, the need to provide an appropriate response to those people who need help with their daily functioning increases. One of the most common and important ways to provide this response is through the employment of foreign nursing workers.

The expansion of the use of foreign nursing workers in Israel

In Israel, as in many places around the world, foreign workers have become an integral part of the nursing system. The country, where the percentage of elderly people is constantly increasing, is facing a shortage of workers in the local nursing sector. Against this background, thousands of foreign workers have been recruited to the field in recent years, providing professional and dedicated care to those people who need daily help.

As life expectancy increases, more and more families in Israel are faced with the need to provide daily care for their aging parents. Often, family members have difficulty providing the necessary care on their own, due to constraints of work, time, and resources. This is where foreign nursing workers come into the picture, offering an effective and accessible solution.

The benefits of employing foreign workers in nursing

Foreign nursing workers bring with them a number of notable advantages that make them the preferred choice for many families in Israel. First and foremost, they are dedicated and professional workers, with extensive experience in caring for older and elderly people. The workers, who come from countries such as the Philippines, Moldova, India and Nepal, undergo appropriate training and come to Israel with a sense of mission and a desire to help.

Personal and professional dedication One of the great advantages of employing foreign workers is their personal dedication to the elderly. Many of them come from countries where the culture emphasizes respect for the elderly and families, and they bring with them a warm and inclusive approach to care. A foreign worker from the Philippines, for example, may become an integral part of the host family, providing dedicated care with an emphasis on human warmth, emotional support, and daily assistance.

Availability and flexibility Another advantage lies in the availability and flexibility of the foreign workers. Because they live in the patient’s home, they can provide care around the clock, including at night. This is a significant advantage, especially for elderly people who need constant supervision or frequent help throughout the day and night.

Cost vs. Benefit Unlike local workers, who are often more expensive due to the cost of wages and insurance, employing foreign workers for nursing can be more financially viable for many families. Although this is a significant monthly cost, compared to the costs of other nursing solutions, such as assisted living or nursing homes, it is a more affordable option. Furthermore, foreign workers provide personalized and tailored care for each patient, ensuring personal and high-quality care.

Employment challenges and possible solutions

Despite the many benefits of employing foreign workers in nursing, there are also challenges that are important to be aware of. For example, the recruitment process can be complex, requiring compliance with strict regulatory requirements, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior, signing appropriate contracts, and understanding the rights and obligations of employees.

Communication and Culture One of the most prominent challenges in employing foreign workers is the language and culture gap. In some cases, the worker does not speak Hebrew at a sufficient level, which can create difficulties in communicating with the patient and family members. To bridge this gap, some families take steps to improve communication, such as teaching the worker basic Hebrew or hiring an interpreter at the beginning.

Conditions and rights of workers The issue of the rights of foreign workers is also equally important. As employers, we must ensure that foreign workers enjoy appropriate conditions, including adequate housing, fair wages and social rights in accordance with the law. Maintaining the rights of the worker contributes not only to his personal well-being but also to the relationship between him and the caring family, which improves the quality of care for the elderly.

Personal experience: Quote from a satisfied customer

“When my mother started needing daily help, we didn’t know how to handle it. We had a lot of concerns about bringing a stranger into our home, but after hearing recommendations from friends, we decided to contact an agency that specializes in foreign nursing workers. We recruited a worker, and we are so glad we did. She has become part of our family, and the dedicated care she gives to mom is simply extraordinary. We know mom is in good hands, and that makes it all worth it to us.”

A solution with added value

Migrant care workers not only provide a practical solution to the daily needs of the elderly, but also add value to their lives and the lives of the families who care for them. The bonds formed between the migrant worker and the patient can be deep and meaningful, and sometimes even expand the host family. These workers bring with them different cultural values, foreign languages, and new perspectives, and they contribute to mutual enrichment within the family.

The importance of systemic support

As employers of foreign workers, it is important to provide them with the necessary support so that they can perform their jobs in the best possible way. The process of adapting to a new reality in a foreign country is not easy, and therefore it is essential to provide them with guidance and guidance in all matters related to the daily management of care, adaptation to local customs, and to make room for them to express themselves.

Looking ahead to the field

In light of the ongoing increase in life expectancy in Israel, the demand for foreign nursing workers is only increasing. This phenomenon has become an integral part of the health and nursing system in Israel, with more and more families using the services of these workers to ensure quality and personal care for their aging parents. The future of this field is expected to continue to grow, while incorporating new technologies and improvements in employment conditions.

Ultimately, hiring foreign workers for nursing is a personal and family decision, requiring thought and planning. But with the right support and an understanding of the benefits and challenges involved, it is a quality and effective solution for those elderly people who need daily help and support.