Regulation of home services It is undergoing profound changes in many countries, promoting the protection of domestic workers and improving the quality of care received by dependent persons in their homes. The field of domestic employment, historically characterized by informality and lack of recognition, is now facing a substantial transformation with new laws that establish obligations and rights for both employers and employees.
This new regulatory framework not only affects those who work in domestic work, but also redefines the provision of support services for people with dependency and disabilities. The recent reforms introduce Important developments in quality management, supervision, access to labor rights, technology, and personalization of care in the domestic and community environment.
Employment formalization: written contracts and mandatory registration
One of the central measures of these reforms is the Obligation to formalize the employment relationship in domestic service through a written contract and its registration with the labor authorities. TherebyThe aim is to overcome the precarious nature of verbal agreements, guarantee access to fundamental rights, and reduce the high rate of informality in the sector. In countries like Colombia, this requirement responds to international commitments and represents a significant advance in the protection of thousands of working women, many of whom are heads of households.
The contract must detail Working conditions such as maximum working hours, rest periods, duties and remuneration. In addition, a deadline is established to regularize existing situations and plans are made Economic sanctions In case of non-compliance. The digital recording of these contracts facilitates official oversight and allows for the detection and correction of potential rights violations.
Rights and protection measures: Safety, benefits and schedules
The new regulations comprehensively address occupational health and safety at home. For the first time, Domestic employees are legally recognized as subjects of protection in matters of occupational risks, access to protective equipment, prevention training, and the right to report dangerous situations to the competent authorities.
The regulatory framework also establishes the progressive reduction of the weekly working day without a reduction in salary and the demand for correct payments for overtime and night work. Social benefits are reinforced mandatory, such as Health insurance, pension, occupational hazards, severance pay, bonuses and vacations, ensuring coverage comparable to that of other workers.
A notable novelty is the possibility of filing complaints due to non-compliance with working conditions and intensified surveillance by the authorities. For employers, ignorance of these obligations can lead to the imposition of significant financial penalties..
Improving services for dependency and home care
The regulation of services in the home is not limited to the workplace, but also expands the catalog of benefits and support for people with dependency and disabilitiesLegislative reforms include New models of personalized care, personal assistance, technical aids and the deployment of universal telecare services, ensuring that no one is excluded based on their place of residence.
Previous incompatibilities are eliminated, user autonomy in choosing services is reinforced and the importance of family caregivers and collaborative environmentsIn addition, day centers are taking on a more active community role, offering support in homes and facilitating social integration and participation.
Coordination between the health and social systems guarantees comprehensive care, avoiding situations of lack of protection such as those experienced during recent emergencies. In addition, the standard promotes the universal accessibility through aid and legal reforms that facilitate the adaptation of homes and community spaces.
Quality, employment and technology in home services
Quality management becomes a fundamental axis. Both the World Health Organization and national and regional governments recommend establishing Standards and indicators to evaluate and improve home care. Assurance mechanisms are developed through inspection, accreditation, and ongoing professional training, ensuring that care is safe, appropriate, and person-centered.
The importance of the quality employment in the sector, establishing criteria on the number and qualifications of professionals, continuing training and protection against occupational risks. In addition, the introduction of New technologies—from telecare to artificial intelligence—are regulated under principles of autonomy, privacy, and transparency., with special attention to eliminating biases and adapting to the particularities of users.
Challenges, innovation and universal access
The regulatory transformation process requires adaptation and learning for employers, workers, and service users alike. Legal frameworks are being designed to be flexible and responsive to demographic, social, and technological challenges, promoting the innovation and inclusion in home care models.
Collaboration between institutions, streamlining procedures, creating pilot spaces, and implementing digital registration and information platforms play a key role in this process. The ultimate goal is for all people to have access to quality home services, with guarantees of rights, safety, and well-being.
These changes place home services in a new dimension, in which dignity, professionalization and protection of rights They are placed at the center of regulation, promoting recognition and appreciation of domestic work as an essential part of social well-being.
