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Mapping support policies for informal carers across the European Union

Background: At a time when health and social care services in European countries are under pressure to contain or cut costs, informal carers are relied upon as the main providers of long-term care. However, still little is known about the availability of direct and indirect support for informal carers across the European Union.

Methods: Primary data collection in all EU member states was supplemented with an extensive review of the available literature.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:12

'He stopped being my husband and became my carer'

Outlines ongoing research into the way care in mental health is constructed by professionals in law and policy, and the impact of those constructions for people who find themselves identified as 'carer' or 'cared for'. The research also looks at how people construct and experience care within their partnerships.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:12

Family support for older people in an area of demographic change and policy constraints

This paper introduces the Special Issue of four empirical studies on the provision of family support to older people that have been written members of the Family Support for Older People: Determinants and Consequences (FAMSUP) network. They have in common the use of individual-level data and recognition of the importance of demographic forces, cultural variations and public policy in shaping patterns of elder care. The four papers are also explicitly comparative, and emphasise both between- and within-country differences.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:11

In safe hands

Summary of the conclusions of a government consultation programme to develop a strategy to support informal carers. [(BNI unique abstract)] 0 references

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:11

Society owes carers a debt of thanks

The approaching financial challenges within health and social care are well heralded and will inevitably cause strain in the care system. It is likely that in the name of efficiency there will be reductions in hospital in-patient stays and a reluctance by local authorities to extend their provision for those with significant care needs. Indeed, the context is being set for further exploitation of carers in the coming years.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:11

Care provision within families and its socio-economic impact on care providers

The European Commission (DG EMPL) invited tenders for a study of care provision within families and the socio-economic impact of family care-giving. The tender was won by a team of researchers from the Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, England and Vilans, the Dutch Expertise Centre on Long-Term Care.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:11

A sociological focus on 'expert patients'

The increase of chronic illness as a leading cause of death has given rise to self-care and expert patient initiatives. Caring for chronically ill people places a tremendous economic burden on the health care system, informal carers, the labour market and benefit system (Department of Health 2001, 2004, 2005). Thus, in many countries health policy encourages patients to become ‘experts’ in the self-management of their conditions in the belief that it will help save money and improve health and well-being (Wanless 2002).

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:10

Supporting young carers and their families using a whole family approach

Young carers are children and young people who look after family members with illness, disabilities, mental illness or substance misuse. Many of these young carers help with personal nursing care and administration of medication as well as household tasks and care of younger siblings. Inappropriate levels of caring can impact on a child's own emotional and physical health, educational achievement and life chances.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:10

A helping hand for carers

Beccy Sims reports on the government's efforts to provide better help and support for the country's 5.2 million carers.

New government strategy to support informal carers, especially carers of older people. The principles of the strategy and the number of people providing informal care are discussed.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:10

Hidden carers

Informal carers provide the majority of care for older people living in the community. The provision of care can be very stressful and is said to have an adverse effect on caregivers health. policy has recognised the need to support carers and a key objective has been to improve service provision for them. research has shown that service intervention can prevent the breakdown of care and admission to long term care. However, relatively few carers and older people use formal services. While the low uptake of services is documented it is not fully understood.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09