Parfenova Oksana. Caring for Older People in The Post-Soviet Space: The Case Of Russia. Corvinus Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 12, no. 2(2021), 67-85. DOI: 10.14267 ...

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the care of older persons (‘eldercare’) in the post-Soviet space using the example of Russia. Our research questions are: How are the care arrangements of older adults in the post-Soviet state transforming, and how are these transforming care arrangements affecting the agency of older persons? The materials for the analysis are qualitative interviews with older people, social workers, and experts from Russia (N= 31), as well as statistics and legal acts. The care arrangements of older adults are undergoing significant transformation, which we can identify in two distinct trends. The first is the drift away from a state and family monopoly on caring for older people to a mixed model. New forms of care and providers are emerging: NGOs; business organizations; foster families for older people; specially equipped apartments; and private nursing homes The informal care sector is also developing thanks to the paid caring services of neighbors and migrants (both external and internal). The second trend is that, in practice, care can often be ‘layered’ in nature. Relatives, public services, non-profit organizations, and paid staff can take care of the same person at the same time. These trends expand the repertoire of care scenarios and make choice more flexible for older persons and increase their agency.

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