EESC calls for more health, housing and financial support for family caregivers

The EU and Member States need to implement measures to improve the lives of those who provide long-term care for relatives with disabilities or with chronic or degenerative diseases, the EESC said in the own-initiative opinion The role of family members caring for people with disabilities and older persons, adopted at its October plenary session.

The opinion's rapporteur, Pietro Vittorio Barbieri, said all measures should be taken jointly by policy-makers, employers (through social dialogue) and family caregivers and their representative organisations.

"The first step is recognising the value of their work and giving them a say in the assistance they provide. The second step is laying on housing services and support to prevent isolation, marginalisation and physical and mental overload. Clearly, if countries can guarantee that certain services will be provided, it will take some of the load off family members".

Such measures include providing family caregivers with adequate health services, including preventive healthcare, along with training on how to look after their own health. Housing support and home services (in line with health and nursing needs) and psychological support for the caregiver and the family unit are also needed.

The EESC also calls for Member States to consider alternative forms of remuneration, including financial aid, for those family carers who risk impoverishment when they are forced to give up paid employment or reduce their working hours. Employers should also be encouraged to provide flexible working arrangements and fringe benefits beyond the minimum required under national rules for employees who provide ongoing care for relatives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has probably worsened the situation for many family caregivers, but not enough up-to-date information is available on the scale of the issue, hampering efforts to address it. (ll)