Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: - HelpAge International

In Myanmar, volunteers from
older people’s associations are
providing care to older people
in their homes.
Joanne Hill/HelpAge International
Challenges
There is very little research on informal caregivers in
developing countries. Definitions and ways of measuring
informal care vary widely, making it difficult to assess
the extent of informal care or make comparisons.
However, evidence from OECD countries shows that 8-16
per cent of adults provide informal care to friends or
family members and about two thirds of caregivers are
women. 267
Caregiving can put a great strain on caregivers. They are
at more risk of mental and physical illness, as well as
financial pressures. 268 Women, in particular, bear the
financial penalty of taking time away from paid work,
so that they earn less and consequently receive a lower
pension. 269 They also face the stress of balancing work
and household duties. Women who are caring for both
children and older family members are under particular
pressure.
The proportion of caregivers who are older people
themselves is growing. For example, in parts of Africa,
millions of older people, especially older women,
many of whom require care themselves, are supporting
sick relatives and raising orphaned grandchildren.
The stigma surrounding HIV can reduce the social
support available to these caregivers, increasing their
risk of burnout and isolation. 270 The rising incidence
of dementia is also placing more demands on family
caregivers.
Government response
In the past 10 years, many countries, mainly in
developed regions, have introduced policies and
programmes to support informal caregivers. Australia,
New Zealand and the United Kingdom have published
national strategies for caregivers. Japan, Finland
and Sweden have passed laws supporting caregivers
and Hungary has developed a training programme for
caregivers.
Some countries have also focused on helping caregivers
balance paid work with caregiving duties. Canada, the
Russian Federation, the Slovak Republic, Turkey and the
United Kingdom have introduced caregiver allowances.
Canada and Thailand have introduced tax benefits for
caregivers.
To alleviate the stress of caregiving, some countries have
implemented comprehensive long-term care systems
designed to integrate the needs of both caregivers and
care recipients. 271 Australia, Sweden and the United
Kingdom have developed protocols for assessing
caregivers’ needs and identifying causes of stress.
Other policies include flexible working, family-care
leave and financial support either to caregivers or care
recipients. Counselling, training and information are
also key to supporting caregivers and are often provided
through the voluntary and non-governmental sector. 272
In countries with high rates of HIV, many NGOs provide
group counselling, education and volunteer assistance
to caregivers.
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