Family caregivers : 11 million French people in need of support

alexraths/epictura

Published the 06.10.2017 at 12h58

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A father who can not move by itself, a big sister multiple disabilities… More than a third of the French consider themselves to be in 2017 as caregivers, an increase of 6 points compared to 2016, reported a barometer BVA made to the Foundation April on the occasion of the 8th national day of the caregivers.

In our country, approximately 11 million people say they regularly bring their assistance to a loved one, a relative or a neighbor who is sick, in a situation of disability or of dependency. More than half of them are women, and three-quarters have less than 65 years. They are also more than half the work.

A difficult situation that is better recognized by the society and the public authorities. The law for the adaptation of society to ageing established since the 1 January 2017 the status of “caregiver” and the ” right to respite “. Progress is commendable, but insufficient to meet the needs of caregivers, and face the challenge of an ageing population.

Break the isolation

Because the French population will take a hit of old. In 2060, 2.3 million people will be dependent, compared with 1.1 million in 2010, according to a report of the Drees. Caregivers will also need support.

The main concern will be to remedy their sense of isolation. Nearly two carers at five caring only of their loved one, without having to resort to home helps or volunteers. They are facing, alone, to care, the administrative complexity… A responsibility tiring. It is also time-consuming : many women are carers say they have difficulty balancing their professional life, family and their support role.

Nearly three caregivers out of ten also report experiencing negative effects on their sleep, their health and their physical fitness. A negative impact, which the French were aware. More than 80% believe that it is necessary to act in favor of those volunteers.

How to support caregivers

The population, for example, offers to put in place financial and material assistance by the State. The home of retirement home presents an alternative for a large number of respondents, who, however, remain vigilant about the cost that this may represent.

Caregivers are calling for the development of houses of respite, where the people helped are supported on a short-term to relieve their caregivers. They also want the establishment of a psychological support. In addition to the consultations by specialists, the “coffee for caregivers” is an initiative that has been successful with this community.