Elevating patient well-being by supporting informal caregivers

By 2050, the number of people aged 65 or older will double, reaching 1.6 billion. This aging population will need an increasing number of caregivers to meet the rising demand for medical care and elderly support. In this context, LLYC’s Healthcare area has launched the report “Health to go, please,” calling for the support and recognition of non-professional or informal caregivers.

Studies conducted in Latin America, the United States, and Europe highlight significant similarities in the profile and responsibilities of informal caregivers. Across all contexts, women predominate as caregivers, taking on essential and complex tasks without pay or professional training. Most of these caregivers are close family members. The report reveals the need for support and recognition for these individuals who play a crucial role in patient well-being and are essential for patient recovery.

Additionally, the report focuses on caregivers’ mental health, which deserves urgent attention and support. While caregiving can be rewarding, it significantly impacts caregivers’ emotional and psychological health. Generally, studies show that caregivers are prone to high levels of depression and anxiety. This burden is further exacerbated in contexts with insufficient support structures, and the cultural trend of home-based, unpaid elderly care adds greater personal sacrifice.

To protect caregivers’ mental health, governments, civil society organizations, and companies must implement effective support measures. Initiatives such as the U.S. national strategy offer a model to follow, proposing access to mental health services, specialized training, and financial support.

“The problem of family caregivers is a public health issue on its own,” said Javier Marín, Senior Director of Healthcare at LLYC in America. “That’s why it’s crucial to acknowledge their importance in the lives of patients receiving treatment. Supporting caregivers benefits them and helps sustain the healthcare system in a rapidly aging society where caregiving needs will keep growing.”

In “Health to go, please,” LLYC presents three key strategies to support caregivers, ensure treatment adherence, improve quality of life, and contribute to a sustainable healthcare system:

• Access to data on patient and caregiver needs and promotion of public policies. Governments, businesses, and civil organizations must understand patients’ needs and the impact of illnesses on families. Analyzing large volumes of data makes it easier to obtain information on the number of caregivers and their challenges. This analysis can inform public policies recognizing caregivers’ value and establishing support programs.
• Caregiver support programs. Some health sector companies have patient support programs. Still, these often lack projects that could enhance the health process, such as courses on the importance of palliative care and how to contribute to quicker patient recovery. A public-private partnership is necessary.
• Increasing awareness and conversation. It is crucial to implement training programs and communication campaigns that raise awareness and advocate for the integration of caregivers into health systems. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize their crucial role in patient recovery and to alleviate the impact on family and work life.