The Psychological Vulnerability and Emotional Toll of Informal Care
Chairs: Peter Walleghem (University College Ghent)
Informal caregivers are the keystone of the health and social care system. In Flanders, 1 out of 3 aged 18 or older provide some form of informal care. They provide unpaid care to family members, friends, and neighbours who are unable to care for themselves due to illness, disability, or old age. Informal caregivers provide a wide range of services like personal care, home care, medical care, administrative tasks and emotional support. Informal caregivers play a vital role in the health and social care system as they reduce the burden on formal healthcare services, providing continuity of care, improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life of the care receiver. Despite the important role they play, informal caregivers often face challenges, such as emotional stress, lack of support, financial constraints and difficulties to combine roles. This symposium will delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by informal carers throughout life, from young students juggling caregiving with studies to older adults who may themselves be vulnerable. The symposium will feature three insightful talks:
Balancing Studies and Care. The Unique Challenges of Young Informal Carers. Benedicte De Koker (University College Ghent) Based on a study focussing on student-caregivers in HOGENT en Erasmus Brussels., this talk will explore the experiences of young adults who are balancing caregiving responsibilities with their education. It will examine the impact on their studies, social lives, and well-being, and discuss strategies for support.
A Lifetime of Caring. Supporting Older Informal Carers. Nico De Witte (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) When ageing, some individuals may find themselves caring for a spouse, parent, or other loved one. This talk will focus on the unique challenges faced by older informal carers, who may themselves be experiencing health issues, emotional distress or require support. The results are based on the data provided by the Belgian Aging Studies, a large survey focussing on the needs and quality of life of community dwelling older people. Strategies for ensuring their own well-being and accessing resources will be addressed.
The COVID-19 Impact. Informal carers navigating the Global Crisis. Deborah Lambotte (University College Ghent) The pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of both care recipients and informal caregivers. During the pandemic an online survey by HOGENT en Steunpunt mantelzorg was deployed in Belgium. Bases on these results, this talk will examine the specific challenges faced by informal carers during this period, including increased care demands, social isolation, and anxieties related to health. Additionally, it will explore potential resources and strategies developed in response to the crisis.
Reflection from Eurocares: Shining the light on Informal Caregivers across Europe. Claire Campais (Eurocarers) Eurocarers, a European platform dedicated to informal caregivers, fosters collaboration between carers' organizations, universities, and research institutes. This unique network drives evidence-based advocacy, ensuring care is valued and unpaid care recognized as essential for sustainable health and long-term care systems. During this session, Eurocarers will examine the previously discussed results from a European perspective, broadening our understanding of their implications across the continent.
