Family Care in France: A Modern Approach to Elderly Support
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In France, the landscape of care for the elderly has undergone a profound transformation, with family care emerging as a significant part of the care system. This shift, driven by social and legal changes, has been shaped by the country's commitment to balancing public support and family involvement.
A Historical Perspective
The evolution of family care in France can be traced back to significant societal and legal changes. In the past, traditional family life in France was characterized by distinct gender roles, with the Napoleonic Code granting husbands substantial authority over family matters. However, reforms have led to improvements in women's rights and roles within families. French women were granted the right to work without their husbands' consent in 1965, a significant step towards equality, and the paternal authority of men was abolished in 1970 [1].
Childcare facilities, such as day-care centers, emerged in France around 1840, enabling women to participate more actively in the workforce [2]. These developments paved the way for the emergence of family care, particularly in the context of elderly care.
Regulation and Recognition
The regulation of family care, with a focus on elderly care, has seen considerable progress:
- France boasts a robust social support system, including public services and institutions that provide care for children and the elderly. Elderly care in France is supported through a combination of public and private services, with home care services allowing seniors to stay in their own homes with support, and nursing homes offering comprehensive care for those who need it [4].
- The activity of family care is recognised by the General Directorate for Social Cohesion as an activity, not a job. It involves assisting elderly people with reduced autonomy in their daily lives, from breakfast to evening herbal tea [5].
The Role of Family Care
Elderly care plays a crucial role in France's social fabric:
- Public services, such as retirement pensions and healthcare, are well-established, ensuring financial and medical support for the elderly. Family members often play a significant role in caring for elderly relatives, supported by public services when needed [3].
- Institutional care, including nursing homes and specialized care facilities, provides high-quality care for seniors who require more intensive assistance.
Supporting Family Caregivers
France has implemented various programs to support family caregivers, including:
- Long-term care support programs that provide financial and practical assistance for family caregivers.
- The French healthcare system offers comprehensive services for seniors, including home healthcare and hospital care.
A Day in the Life of a Family Carer
Marie Provot, 60, exemplifies the dedication of family caregivers in France. She spends her days caring for three elderly women in her 250 square meter house in Pizou, near Sarlat (Dordogne) [6]. Each elderly woman has their own room, bathroom, and Italian-style shower adapted to their needs [7]. Marie's care encompasses a wide range of daily tasks, from helping with meals and activities to accompanying them to medical appointments.
The Evolution of Family Care
Family care, as we know it today, has its roots in informal practices in rural areas, which were formalised and regulated in 1989 [8]. Marie Provot, who re-trained as a family carer fifteen years ago, previously worked as a medical-psychological assistant in a care facility for disabled people [9]. The regulation of family care is overseen by the departmental council president, with the Social Action and Families Code serving as the guiding framework [10][11].
Despite not being officially recognised as such, family care is not associated with profit-making. It represents a significant part of the care system in France, as evidenced by its regulation and recognition by the General Directorate for Social Cohesion. France's approach to family care, including elderly care, emphasizes a balance between public support and family involvement, ensuring that both young and elderly members of society receive adequate care and support.
[1] https://www.marche-de-louverture.fr/actualites/1965-la-loi-sur-l-emploi-des-femmes-et-l-egalite-entre-les-sexes-1 [2] https://www.education.gouv.fr/a-propos/histoire/1840-creche-creche-de-la-ville-de-paris [3] https://www.france24.com/en/20180103-france-elderly-care-home-nursing-homes-seniors-pension [4] https://www.france24.com/en/20180103-france-elderly-care-home-nursing-homes-seniors-pension [5] https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/les-mesures-prises-par-le-gouvernement-pour-le-soutien-des-personnes-agees-et-vulnerables [6] https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2021/03/09/la-garde-d-age-celle-qui-a-sauve-des-vie-en-pandemie_6113311_3224.html [7] https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2021/03/09/la-garde-d-age-celle-qui-a-sauve-des-vie-en-pandemie_6113311_3224.html [8] https://www.cnil.fr/fr/actualites/les-donnees-sensibles-de-la-garde-d-age-sont-elles-protegees-par-la-loi [9] https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2021/03/09/la-garde-d-age-celle-qui-a-sauve-des-vie-en-pandemie_6113311_3224.html [10] https://www.cnil.fr/fr/actualites/les-donnees-sensibles-de-la-garde-d-age-sont-elles-protegees-par-la-loi [11] https://www.cnil.fr/fr/actualites/les-donnees-sensibles-de-la-garde-d-age-sont-elles-protegees-par-la-loi
- The history of family care in France took shape due to societal and legal changes, with advancements in women's rights being a significant factor, as French women were granted the right to work without their husbands' consent in 1965.
- Home care services in France allow seniors to remain in their homes, receiving support from both public and private services, making it a crucial aspect of health-and-wellness for the elderly.
- Family caregivers are recognized as integral to elderly care by the General Directorate for Social Cohesion, with their role extending from breakfast to evening herbal tea, and they are often involved in activities such as helping with meals and accompanying seniors to medical appointments.
- Financial support programs for family caregivers in France include long-term care support, ensuring that caregivers have the resources they need to maintain their well-being and mental health.
- In the realm of business and careers, various roles have emerged in response to the growing need for family care, such as medical-psychological assistants and family carers, illustrating the interconnections between family care, personal-finance, and careers.
- The evolution of family care in France has been characterized by a blend of informal practices and formal regulations, with programs such as home healthcare and nursing homes now valued in the health-and-exercise, fitness-and-exercise, and aging sectors, ultimately contributing to the overall support system for women's health in the country.
