Caregiver Day puts 2 million informal carers in the spotlight
Flanders celebrates Caregiver Day on Monday, shining a light on the more than 2 million Flemish people who regularly care for a loved one in need. Under the campaign motto #dahadikeffenodig (“I really needed that”), recognised caregiving associations and the Flemish Caregiver Expertise Centre are organising initiatives across the region that recognise and support informal caregivers.
Caregiving refers to the ongoing, often invisible support provided to a loved one, such as a partner, parent, child, neighbour or friend. The support extends to those who live with illnesses, old age, disability or psychological vulnerability. Research shows that nearly seven in 10 caregivers are people from the immediate social circle of those they help.
Dedicated care
In Flanders, one in three adults is an informal caregiver, and around one in five young people aged 11 to 18 also plays a caregiving role.
"Caregivers care, often in silence, but their contribution to our caring society is invaluable. They combine work or study and caring for a loved one with incredible dedication," said Flemish minister of welfare Caroline Gennez, of socialist party Vooruit.
"On this Caregiver Day, we listen to their stories. As a government, we are committed to giving caregivers the appreciation and support they deserve. Not just today, but every day."
"Caregivers care, often in silence, but their contribution to our caring society is invaluable"
Balancing care responsibilities with work, studies and personal life remains a challenge. Over half of caregivers juggle care tasks with jobs or school. One in three feels emotionally burdened, and more than 40 per cent report physical complaints.
“Everyone can do something for informal caregivers in their environment. Offer them a listening ear, bring an extra meal or some groceries… We also want to encourage professionals to involve informal caregivers in the care and support process," said Karel Hermans, coordinator of the Flemish Informal Care Plan.
"Or to offer them appropriate support at school or at work. Being able to follow a meeting from home or being able to take an exam at a different time: these are the things they ‘need for a moment’ to continue doing what they do."
Hearing and sharing stories
As part of the campaign, telephone booths have been set up across Flanders, where people can listen to testimonials from informal caregivers and leave their own messages of appreciation. The goal is to raise awareness about the essential role these caregivers play and to offer them tangible recognition.
"Informal care is not always visible, but it is there every day. Sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful, but always with love"
Actor Issam Dakka, who portrays a caregiver in the television series Dertigers and cares for his own father with ALS in real life, shared his experience through the campaign.
"Informal care is not always visible, but it is there every day," he said. "Sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful, but always with love. It is a daily search for balance: between care, work, friendship and not losing yourself. Sometimes a small gesture - someone who simply asks: 'How are you?' - is enough to make you think: I really needed that."
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO JEAN-FRANCIOS FORT / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP
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