Caring in Vulnerable Constellations of Live-In Care Successfully Held
Around 70 researchers, practitioners, live-in care workers, Older Co-Creators, family carers, stakeholders, and students gathered both in person at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg and online for the two-day symposium “Caring in Vulnerable Constellations of Live-In Care”, held on 25–26 June 2026.
Supported by COST Action PAAR-Net (Participatory Approaches with Older Adults), the symposium created an international and interdisciplinary space for dialogue on participation, live-in care, and collaborative approaches to research and practice.
Through presentations, discussions, and participatory formats, participants explored how all people involved in live-in care arrangements—including older adults, live-in care workers, and family carers—should be recognised as active partners in shaping care relationships, community support, and policy development.
Discussions highlighted the importance of:
- strengthening participation in care arrangements;
- improving legal and institutional frameworks;
- ensuring independent monitoring and mediation;
- supporting care workers through supervision and training;
- protecting social rights across national borders; and
- recognising care work as skilled, relational, and socially valuable work.
One of the key messages emerging from the symposium was that live-in care should not remain in a legal or social grey zone but should be recognised, valued, and supported through clear competency profiles and secure legal frameworks.
Organisers
The symposium was organised by Ute Karl (Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg, Germany), Anne Carolina Ramos (University of Fribourg, Switzerland), and Ursula Trummer (Center for Health & Migration, Austria) within the framework of COST Action PAAR-Net.
Event Details
📅 25–26 June 2026
📍 Evangelische Hochschule Ludwigsburg, Germany
💻 Hybrid event
Programme and Abstract Books
The symposium materials remain available below:
📄 Programme
📄 Abstract Book (English)
📄 Abstract Book (German)
We sincerely thank all speakers, participants, co-creators, organisers, and partners for contributing to this inspiring event. We look forward to continuing these important conversations within the PAAR-Net community.
