Who takes care of grandma? An empirical test of respondent-driven sampling using the example of migrant home care work

The number of people in need of care, particularly for the elderly and those who are ill, is growing and with it the need for paid care work. Despite this increase in demand, employment in the home care sector remains precarious, characterized by poor pay and little job security. This research project has two objectives: first, to conduct a standardized survey to better understand the living situation and motivation of migrants working in this sector in Germany, particularly in the greater Berlin area; and second, to test the “Respondent-Driven Sampling” (RDS survey method), which is not yet well-established in Germany. RDS allows sampling in hard-to-reach groups, such as employees in the home care sector, who presumably have little time or interest to participate in a study. By employing RDS, the project aims to make statistically valid statements about these groups for the first time.