Care for Kazakhstan’s Aging Population: Policy Lessons

• In Event: Policy Issues in Central Asia

Abstract

Over the next 30 years, Kazakhstan’s elder population is expected to double. According to national legislation in Kazakhstan, the responsibility of caring for the elderly falls on their children, with only single elderly individuals and persons with disabilities eligible for public social services at home. Unfortunately, individuals caring for elderly relatives receive no government or employer support--no tax deductions, benefits, flexible working hours, or paid care leave. A small survey (with 200 respondents) confirms that the most common type of elderly care is unpaid homecare (91.1%), while institutional care accounts for 5.8%, and paid care for 3.1%. As in other countries, paid care is predominantly provided by women. At the same time, analysis of the Generations and Gender survey shows that that 59% of respondents aged 18-79 years believe that home care for the elderly is the family's responsibility.

This paper draws on a unique small survey and the nationally representative Gender and Generations survey, to examine how families deal with this care care burden-- Who typically assumes primary caregiving responsibilities for the elderly and why?—as well as factors associated with differences attitudes regarding the provision of care. This paper aims to uncover identify gaps in Kazakhstan's elder care system which can inform the development of effective care policies.

Authors

• Mieke Meurs, American U

• Maigul Nugmanova, Narxoz U (Kazakhstan)