WOMEN CARING FOR PEOPLE - THE MISMATCH BETWEEN RHETORIC AND WOMENS REALITY

This paper explores the implications, for women, of the new structures and systems which are being introduced in the 'Working for patients' and 'Caring for people' legislation. An exploration which focuses on w omen is urgent, given their predominance as both paid and unpaid worke rs in, and users of, community care services. The fundamental changes which are being introduced, ostensibly to empower the disadvantaged an d give them more choice and influence, will fail if they do not direct ly address and draw links between the experiences of women on the givi ng and receiving end of service delivery.