The Commission has actively participated in the process of drafting the plan.
In France, a growing number of seniors and their caregivers are experiencing a double burden – managing work and caregiving duties, often resulting in severe health issues. This article explores the strategies and resources available to support working caregivers in France, particularly those aged 55 to 64.
One of the key resources is France's national social security system. Caregivers are covered by this system, which includes health insurance, maternity leave, and pension benefits, providing a safety net for their health and financial wellbeing.
Another emerging resource is psycho-educational group programs, such as the EHPAD Caregiver Pact & Pad. These programs offer training, information, and emotional support, addressing psychological challenges like anxiety, powerlessness, and loneliness. They help caregivers better manage emotional stress and fatigue caused by their dual roles.
The rise of medicalized home care services in France is another significant support. These services allow caregivers to access nursing and home support services, reducing their physical and emotional load by sharing care responsibilities with professionals.
Leaning on family and friends for childcare or respite care is also essential. This support enables working caregivers to find moments of relief and better balance work and caregiving.
Financial and family benefits, such as family allowances, tax benefits, and other financial supports offered by the French government, also help buffer the economic impact of the caregiving role.
For specific chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes, organizations such as L’Aide aux Jeunes Diabétiques provide psychosocial and mediation support, reducing stress and conflict related to care responsibilities.
Together, these strategies combine financial, medical, psycho-social, and practical support to help working caregivers manage chronic fatigue and the double burden of work and caregiving in France. Notably, psycho-educational group programs and medicalized home care services are key emerging resources tailored to emotional and physical relief.
However, the emotional toll on caregivers is significant, with nearly 40% feeling emotionally drained. The time commitment required for caregiving duties can be extensive, with nearly half of caregivers spending over 20 hours a week on these tasks. The caregiving role in France is associated with a high level of personal sacrifice and potential negative health outcomes.
By 2030, one in four workers in France is expected to be a caregiver. It is urgent to support those who are experiencing a double burden as caregivers, questioning employment and working conditions. The summer heatwaves pose a challenge for the enjoyment of the season by seniors and their caregivers, making the question of supporting seniors and their caregivers during the summer period an important issue in France.
Currently, 9.3 million people in France support a relative with loss of autonomy or disability daily. As the number of caregivers is expected to significantly increase by 2030, it is crucial to continue developing and implementing strategies to support working caregivers in managing chronic fatigue and the double burden of work and caregiving.
- The French national social security system, which encompasses health insurance, maternity leave, and pension benefits, serves as a crucial safety net for caregivers' health and financial wellbeing.
- Psycho-educational group programs, like the EHPAD Caregiver Pact & Pad, offer training, information, and emotional support to caregivers, addressing psychological challenges and helping them manage emotional stress and fatigue.
- Medicalized home care services in France, which provide nursing and home support services, play a significant role in sharing care responsibilities with professionals and reducing the physical and emotional load of caregivers.
- The high level of personal sacrifice and potential negative health outcomes faced by caregivers in France warrant urgent attention to questions regarding employment and working conditions, especially as the number of caregivers is expected to double by 2030.
