RUT tax deductions for the elderly: New conditions for care practices

Research problem and specific questionsThis study analyzes how the politically subsidized market for RUT services changes understandings of care for the elderly, and how everyday care practices are structured and done by the actors involved.

Research shows that it has become more difficult to get publicly funded home care (Szebehely et al 2017), while, at the same time, people over the age of 65 are a main user group of the RUT tax deduction (Riksrevisionen 2020:5).

Research questions:How is care (re)defined in the everyday life of the elderly through RUT care services?What understandings of care appear in politics and policy for RUT tax deductions for the elderly?How do workers in RUT companies experience their doing of care for the elderly?What role does RUT care services play in the life of the elderly and their relatives, regarding everyday practices, negotiations and relations between generations?How are inequalities challenged/reproduced in the wake of RUT care services?Data and methodThis is a qualitative study of RUT services for the elderly, capturing definitions and practices around care through analysis of 1) the political discourse of the RUT tax deduction focusing the elderly, through document analysis of policy material (SOU, bills, debates, etc.) and 2) everyday care actors, through interviews with companies, care workers, the elderly and their relatives (50-60 interviews).

Plan for project realisationThe project runs for 3-years, with Anving (PI, PhD) on 55% activity and Eldén (Associate professor) on 50% activity.

Data collection (document analysis, interviews) takes place during year one and two, data analysis is carried out continuously but focused during year three. At least three scientific articles, a monograph and conference presentations will be published. A scientific reference group and a non-academic collaboration group will be part of the project.

RelevanceElderly care is one of the most acute societal challenges.

The project offers a unique analysis of a growing sector - the RUT market - which has changed the understanding of care for the elderly in the Swedish welfare state, and affects everyday lives of the elderly, their relatives and employees in the sector.

The project contributes with important knowledge of changes in the Swedish welfare state, the organization of care for the elderly and their living conditions, and how inequalities are challenged and reproduced through new care solutions.