'Enabling carers to care': making the case for a European Union action plan on carers

Research has identified that approximately 80% of care across the European Union (EU) is provided by families (spouses, parents and children), neighbours and friends (Hoffmann and Rodrigues, 2010). Even in countries with a well-developed supply of formal long-term care, the number of ‘informal’ carers is estimated to be at least twice as large as the formal care workforce. ‘Informal’ care provision is under pressure ... [...] The proposed EU ‘action plan on carers’ could help to inform national agendas to better address challenges relating to carers and families, facilitate and share good practice, raise the profile of carers, and support carers and promote their health and well-being across Europe.