By 2050, the European Union will experience a significant increase in its population aged 65 and older, with Spain among the countries most affected. Simultaneously, chronic illnesses account for a large percentage of global deaths. This demographic shift, coupled with evolving family structures and reduced availability of informal caregivers in Spain, has created a growing need for long-term care. Traditionally, family members provided this care, but changing family dynamics and women's increased participation in the workforce have altered this system. The 2006 Spanish Law for the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Attention to People in Situations of Dependency acknowledged this need but hasn't fully addressed the resulting care gap. This gap has created a "pull factor" for female immigrants, predominantly from Latin America, to fill the demand for caregivers. While their contributions are significant, immigrant women often experience triple discrimination: gender inequality, migrant status limitations, and their role as carers. Many lack work protections and suitable employment opportunities, often working in the informal economy. This study aims to understand the experiences of these women to highlight their needs and contributions.

Existing literature emphasizes the increasing demand for long-term care in Spain due to population aging and changing family structures. Studies have documented the significant role of immigrant women, especially those from Latin America, in providing this care. However, research has also highlighted the challenges they face, including economic precariousness, irregular administrative status, discrimination, and poor working conditions. Previous research focuses on the benefits of migratory networks but doesn't fully address the unique vulnerabilities of live-in carers. The literature also underscores the mental and physical health challenges faced by these women due to stress, isolation, and lack of support. This study builds upon previous work by using a phenomenological approach to provide a deeper understanding of their lived experiences.

This qualitative study employed a phenomenological interpretative approach based on Heidegger's philosophy. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 40 female immigrant carers in Madrid who were providing non-professional care. Data were collected through exploratory and follow-up focus groups (24 participants total) and 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data saturation was achieved by the end of data collection. The constant comparison method proposed by Glaser and Strauss was used to analyze the data, which was managed and analyzed using Atlas.ti version 6.2 software. Ethical considerations included informed consent, anonymization of participants, and approval by the Camilo José Cela University Ethical Committee. The study adhered to an uncovered research approach ensuring participant confidentiality.

The study revealed three main themes: 1. **Difficult Lives:** Participants described their migration as a complex process involving sacrifices, grief, and often unfulfilled expectations. Many experienced a sense of loss associated with leaving family and home, and the "European dream" frequently fell short of reality. Economic precariousness and irregular administrative status were significant stressors, limiting access to rights and increasing vulnerability to exploitation and discrimination. The fear of returning home as a failure added to the pressure. 2. **Working in the Home:** Latin American women were preferred by families due to perceived lower costs, cultural familiarity, and assumed caregiving expertise stemming from traditional family roles. Live-in caregiving offered security (housing and food), but came at the cost of restricted personal time, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and lack of privacy. The 24/7 nature of the work, and limited rest time were major sources of exhaustion. 3. **The Vision of the Other:** Relationships between carers and care recipients varied significantly, influenced by the carer's migrant status. While some built strong, mutually respectful relationships, others experienced discrimination, often subtle or covert, related to their origin and perceived cultural differences. These women faced a double invisibility in the caregiving world due to lack of formal recognition and exclusion from the formal care system. Many experiences of everyday racism and covert discrimination were reported.

The findings highlight the systemic challenges faced by immigrant female caregivers in Spain. The study reveals a complex interplay of economic vulnerability, legal insecurity, emotional distress, and discrimination. The preference for Latin American women highlights the role of cultural stereotypes and economic exploitation. The difficulties faced are compounded by the 24/7 nature of live-in caregiving, which erodes rest and personal space. The experience of subtle discrimination undermines the potential for positive working relationships. The results emphasize the need for policies that address the needs of these women, providing legal protection, improved working conditions, and access to support and training.

This study underscores the valuable, yet often invisible contributions of immigrant women to Spain’s long-term care system. Their experiences highlight the urgent need for policy changes to improve their working conditions, legal status, and access to support. Specialized training to enhance their skills and cultural sensitivity training for employers are crucial steps. Future research could explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving their wellbeing and addressing the structural inequalities they face.

The convenience sampling method may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions or contexts. The reliance on self-reported experiences may be subject to recall bias and social desirability. Future research with larger, more diverse samples and incorporating quantitative measures could enhance the robustness of the findings.