Flanders wants to support informal carers

Flanders has drawn up a new care plan for informal carers. This was announced on Monday by the Flemish Minister of Welfare, Wouter Beke (CD&V). Informal carers provide extra care to family members or friends who are temporarily or permanently in need of help. The plan, which will be developed over the next two years, focuses on recognition and acknowledgement of the informal carer.

Informal care is very diverse and of all ages. Recent research shows that 33 percent of the Flemish people older than 18 years provided informal care in the past year. It also appears that 21 percent of Flemish youngsters between 11 and 18 (or 119,000 young people) live with a person suffering from a long-term illness or disability.

Recognition and acknowledgement

The plan focuses on more visibility, understanding and support for informal carers. Informal care is often still underexposed and many informal carers are not recognised. Therefore Flanders wants to boost the support of informal carers, focusing on the combination of work and care, prevention of overburdening and quality of life. It's important for employers to have an eye for an informal care policy. Thats why Flanders will be promoting the publication and accessibility of the existing leave schemes, and coaching and training will be provided to help both informal carers and personnel services in their search for solutions.

Flanders also wants to encourage local administrations and first-line zones to include informal care support in their multi-year policy. It is examining good practices and, via learning networks, is focusing on the further dissemination and application of these examples.

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