The federal government has unveiled a new action plan aimed at structurally improving support for informal caregivers. This plan, which according to De Tijd will benefit tens of thousands of informal caregivers, focuses on various pillars such as information provision, psychological support, and administrative simplification. It responds to the growing need for assistance for people caring for a loved one, often with significant personal sacrifices.
Context of informal care in Belgium
Informal caregivers play a crucial role in Belgian society by caring for family members or friends who need assistance. This unpaid care significantly contributes to the well-being of care-dependent individuals and eases the burden on the formal care sector. The new action plan acknowledges this contribution and seeks to alleviate the often heavy load that informal care entails through targeted initiatives and better frameworking, as reported by De Tijd.