The CARES Erasmus+ project is working to improve care and support services in Southern and Eastern Europe by focusing on better training, fair recognition, and the well-being of care workers. HÉTFA is a partner in the CARES consortium, coordinated by the Centre for Non-Profit Law (Romania).
Between February and March 2025, over 600 professionals from Italy, Romania, Hungary, and Lithuania took part in a survey highlighting the main challenges they face. These include low pay, emotional stress, heavy workloads, and too much bureaucracy. Many also feel undervalued and say they lack opportunities for ongoing training—especially in digital, relational, and environmental skills.
The state of care sector is different in partners’ countries so it is important to sum up each case. The following points, we summarise, how the survey respondant social care workers described their situation.
- In Italy, the care sector is fragmented, with a large role played by private and family caregivers. Workers want better support, training, and less bureaucracy.
- In Romania, public care services are underfunded and understaffed, especially in rural areas. Low wages and emigration are major concerns.
- Despite high qualifications of Hungarian care workers, many workers earn low salaries and face burnout in Hungary. More training and mental health support are needed.
- The system is more stable in Lithuania, but aging populations and staff shortages create pressure. Long-term solutions are required to ensure sustainability.
While each country has its own challenges, the need for better working conditions and recognition is shared across borders. The CARES project aims to address these issues and help build a stronger, more supportive care system for everyone.
The full Benchmark report on social care sectors at the national and EU level is available via this link. For more information on the project’s goals and results, click here.
