Why Filipino Caregivers Are Preferred by Clients Worldwide

The global preference for Filipino caregivers over other nationalities is a well-recognized phenomenon in the caregiving sector. Their widespread popularity can be attributed to a unique blend of qualities that include cultural compatibility, language proficiency, professional training, emotional intelligence, and a strong work ethic. This article explores these attributes in detail, supplemented with examples and statistics to provide a deeper understanding of what sets Filipino caregivers apart.

Cultural Compatibility and Compassion

Filipino caregivers are known for their deeply ingrained cultural values that emphasize respect for elders and compassion. For instance, in a survey conducted by a healthcare facility in Germany, 90% of families reported a high level of satisfaction with Filipino caregivers, citing their empathetic approach and respect for cultural norms. This compatibility is evident in caregivers like Maria, who, while working in Canada, developed a reputation for her warm, family-like care, making her particularly popular among elderly clients who sought a sense of familiarity and comfort in their care.

Language Proficiency and Communication Skills

The Philippines is recognized for its high English literacy rate, with over 70% of the population proficient in the language. This proficiency is a significant advantage in caregiving, especially in English-speaking countries. A notable example is Jose, a Filipino caregiver in Australia, whose fluency in English has been instrumental in bridging communication gaps in a multicultural hospital setting, enhancing both patient care and collaboration with his healthcare team.

Professional Training and Flexibility

Filipino caregivers are often trained in diverse healthcare settings, making them versatile and adaptable to various care requirements. The Philippines produces around 19,000 healthcare graduates annually, many of whom enter the caregiving sector. Their comprehensive training is highlighted in the case of Ana, a Filipino nurse in the UK, whose ability to adapt to different care settings – from intensive care units to home-based elderly care – has made her an invaluable asset to her healthcare employer.

Emotional Intelligence and Work Ethic

Filipino caregiver are renowned for their emotional intelligence and commitment to their work. In a U.S.-based study, it was found that Filipino caregivers scored significantly higher in measures of empathy and patient rapport than their counterparts from other nationalities. An example of this is Juan, working in the United States, whose dedication and ability to understand the emotional and physical needs of his patients have earned him accolades from both his employers and the families he works with.

Global Demand and Bilateral Agreements

The demand for Filipino caregivers is supported by various bilateral labor agreements. For example, the Philippines and Japan have an agreement that has led to a 40% increase in the deployment of Filipino caregivers to Japan in the past five years. These agreements not only provide employment opportunities for Filipino workers but also help host countries address their caregiving needs effectively.

Insightful Japanese Research on Filipino Caregivers

A notable research study conducted in Japan in 2017 provides valuable insights into this topic, exploring the specific characteristics and skills of Filipino caregivers. This study sheds light on why they are widely accepted and preferred by clients worldwide, especially those receiving medical treatment. For a more in-depth understanding, reading below original article is highly recommended.

Filipinos are characteristically good-natured, especially at work. We are known for our industry, passion and compassion. Not surprisingly, therefore, companies and employers prefer Filipinos, particularly in hospitality and service industries.

In a study done by Taiko Immamura and Isamu Saito of Rissho University and Mariko Miyagi of Hosei University in Japan, the researchers took note of the characteristics and skills of Filipino caregivers that make them widely accepted and preferred worldwide by foreign clients who are under treatment.

In the study’s abstract, the researchers noted that Filipinos work all over the world as caregivers, and behind the success of the Filipinos in the field of care service are the unique aspects of some skills and traits they bring along with them to foreign lands. They went on to identify the following traits and cultural values as the most associated with Filipinos: deep respect for the elderly, close family ties, flexibility and creativity, hard work, pakikisama (getting along with others) and proficiency in the English language.

Here are direct quotes from their study:

Deep respect for the elderly. “Filipinos can be considered as exceptional in this respect since being a caregiver is not only a matter of profession and thereby getting good compensation but this is something about deep love, respect and care to someone of old age or anybody else who needs treatment, be it physical or emotional disability. This is something rooted in Filipino culture and an identity as a Filipino.”

Close family ties. “This is a significant factor that contributes to the expertise of the Filipinos. That is, relationship among Filipino families extends to something of higher importance and a great value. Filipino caregivers have the edge of offering good services in a foreign land since, in this context, the patient or client badly needs the utmost attention, understanding and care of the immediate family.”

Flexibility and creativity. “Filipinos are flexible and adjust to whatever happens, and that the Filipinos are creative, resourceful and quick learners. This is particularly shown in the ability of the Filipinos to create and produce something.”

Hard work. “Filipinos have a great capacity for hard work, given proper conditions. The desire to raise one’s standard of living and to possess the essentials of a decent life for one’s family, combined with the right opportunities and incentives, make the Filipino work very hard. This is manifested most noticeably in the willingness to take risks with jobs abroad and, while there, to work two or three jobs.”

Pakikisama. “This trait of pakikisama, or getting along with others is not something like a camaraderie only with other people, but is also serving as a useful tool in building a good relationship with others by extending help. No wonder then that Filipinos are much at home to this kind of service since it is within one’s value as a Filipino.”

English proficiency. “The English language is no longer foreign to the Filipino people. It is a part of the education system of the Philippines and the daily life of Filipinos. Mostly, even ordinary Filipinos converse with their fellows in the English language. In a study conducted by McBride [2001], it confirms the proficiency of the Filipinos elders in English language abroad, particularly in the United States of America.”

The news that the United States will need a huge number of caregivers in the next 10 years due to its growing aging population presents employment opportunities for the Filipino caregivers. Given the latter’s proven characteristics and skills relative to the job, they are certainly even at an advantage over their peers.

Business Mirror Philippine : Filipino caregivers: Service with a heart

Read the full article here.

In conclusion, the global preference for Filipino caregivers is a testament to their exceptional skills, cultural adaptability, linguistic capabilities, emotional intelligence, and professionalism. These factors, combined with supportive international labor policies, have established Filipino caregivers as a top choice for clients around the world, showcasing their vital role in the international caregiving sector.